Things are changing fast! Our business environment, customer sentiment, design trends, marketing opportunities, etc. have always moved forward. The difference that I see today is that there is a confluence of factors merging coupled with an acceleration in development of online strategies. The move to online sales is one of the biggest factors affecting many in business. Brick and mortar stores have difficulty in competing with the big online retailers. Couple this with a sometimes less insightful consumer and sales are down at most small retailers. Quality compared to price often takes a back seat. 

   Interior designers which often supported the box store can also feel the pinch. You can set up a visual demonstration online and place an item of in context in a virtual setting eliminating the need for professional advice. Not the same obviously, but the point is, it affects the number of clients looking. 

   The online retailers tend to carry products that have appeal, have a good margin, and can be bought in quantity making listing easier. Not too many out there will take the time to list one-of-a-kind items (like us :). Browsing site to site, I see the same type of products store to store. 

    So, how do retailers navigate this market? They distinguish themselves with a niche and cater to that clientele. But the thing is, how can a small business compete with the big guys? How can they create traffic to their location, website and social media? And that's the acceleration I've seen in the past year. Websites have become quite developed. SEO can be as involved as you like and the amount of SEO advisors, developers, back link companies, on and on, has grown exponentially. I've spoken with a few and have evaluated some to be knowledgeable, some to be earning a buck as quickly as possible, and some to be shysters. 

   This is the environment that we navigate today. I'm grateful to my old customers that keep us going. I'm also pushing for new contacts that appreciate our aesthetic and business values. So, is all lost?

   Not at all, it's simply important to have somewhat of an understanding of the dynamics at work. Although business can be less personal than in years past, that can create firmer relationships with those that have the same values. You can see what trends are at a glance these days which can make for more informed decisions. Buyers and sellers are a keyboard away. Distinguishing yourself. Getting through may take more perseverance but the possibilities are really endless.

Be well,

Wally and Pat    Asian Art Imports   www.asianartimports.net