As 2022 ends, it’s important to look back and acknowledge the wins and the losses of the year. Every activity we participated in, every conversation we had, has taught us something. How did we grow this year? Did we change our plans to accommodate new learnings?
As we look forward to 2023 how are we improving our business? As the owner of a brick-and-mortar and online store, I can say that 2022 continues to be a roller-coaster ride. Foot traffic has been up in 2022 compared to 2021, but the rising cost of food and threats of a recession are causing customers to be cautious with their spending. Adapting to the ever-changing business conditions can be exhausting and confusing.
Our November Academy event with Jacob Curtis hit the nail on the head with one of his points. As business owners we must think of the implications, both short-term and long-term, when making decisions. When the going gets tough, we can’t let our emotions and our fears make decisions for us; that would be shortsighted. Ask yourself if a particular decision will be the best for your business in 10 minutes, 10 months or 10 years.
Recently as our shop experienced a slowdown in foot traffic, instead of retreating from view or worrying about why, we instead took the approach of being in front of and engaged with customers. Our store hosted a Festive Fun Sew Along with a free downloadable pattern. More than 250 downloads occurred in the first week. A weekly video with tips and tricks and encouragement to post their projects in our Facebook group were part of the strategy. As I review this event, I can clearly see customers wanting to be inspired and creative, just hesitant about spending money. We encouraged them to dip into their fabric stash and brought out their creativity, leaving them with a positive feeling. I feel strongly actions such as this will keep these customers coming back to Hen & Chicks Studio to shop in the months ahead.
Take time to review 2022, then plan for a great 2023.
Table of Contents
- Creative Retailer Goes to Quilt Market
- Instagram 101
- Know Your Leadership Style
- Membership Benefits Build Community
- Develop a Social Media Strategy
- Hot Picks
- Materials Matter
- Can Customers Photograph Shop Samples?
- Reach Financial Freedom
- Guide to Selling Inventory
- Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall
- HR Keys to Business Success
