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Discover Mid-America — December 2008
Scrooge be gone
 |
by Bruce Rodgers
Considering the economy, it would be easy to get into the Bah Humbug state of mind. So give me a minute here and let me dwell on the dark side.
My guess is the print media — which we are — is struggling more than the retail antique business, yet maybe it’s a toss up. But throw in the escalating cost of newsprint and maybe not. Certain antique items and categories are getting scarce, but paper? Heck, recyclers are having a hard time giving away their product for recycling. Add to that the fact that the two major delivery companies are raising prices despite the lower oil prices. Now what is it about how those “market forces” work again?
Maybe we’re in a down economy because there isn’t any real coherent economy, just a bunch of random, self-serving decisions made by big corporations, banks and the government with no connection to real costs, real outcomes and real people..
Anyway … we are linked — no customers in your shop can mean no advertising budget, though I could argue that businesses selling to consumers don’t increase their business without advertising. Many of our advertisers would agree, be it good times or bad.
Am I rambling here? Back to humbug.
Last month to get into the festive season I suggested to Ron Johnson, our art director, that he take his camera and spend some time taking photos of the goings-on in Greenwood, MO during their Christmas Open House. We’re not talking in-depth reporting here, just capture the mood. The result is our photo spread on pages 12-13.
Ron did just what I had hoped. He captured the right mood for the season and I hope it lifts you a bit too if you’re down.
Next year we’re going to go with the same concept but not back to Greenwood. We’re willing to send Ron on a road trip if necessary, so if your town, historic district or a couple of neighboring shops are coming together for the holidays with a holiday open house in November 2009, let me know. No quid pro quo involved.
As we close in on the holidays, I want to thank our staff and advertisers for their contributions throughout the year. On a personal level, I’ve gotten to know some of you better, and that’s a good thing. The more I understand your business, the better we can help you market your business.
Connections are important to recognize, especially during the holidays. In the end that’s really all that matters.
Happy Holidays and thank you.
Bruce Rodgers can be contacted at publisher@discoverypub.com.
> Refurnished Thoughts Archive — past columns
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