Since Thanksgiving just happened last week many of my business conversations have begun with how was your Thanksgiving?” I bet yours have too. Recently, when that question was asked there was a pause; and, I believe it was because the person had to think about it.
As everyone that lives on our planet knows, Thanksgiving is kick-off for the height of selling season for retail in preparation for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and all of the days counting down to the gift giving day of Christmas. So, no wonder a retail professional struggles to remember Thanksgiving a week ago because in retail time it was light years in the past; and, now the laser focus is on THE holiday sales.
In the spirit of ushering in a season that means so much to the retail industry. I am pausing for all of us during this busy season to give thanks.
Here is what is on my list of the top 10 items to be grateful for that many of us can relate to during this very busy, undeniably stressful and beautiful season:
1. The excitement of every child.
2. Finding deals for the items on our shopping list.
3. Selecting the BEST Christmas tree.
4. Decorating our homes.
5. Going OFF the diet until after the Holidays.
6. Catching ourselves humming a Christmas song.
7. Recognizing those in need.
8. Giving.
9. Feeling the joy of the season.
10. Just Gratitude.
The focus on Holiday retail sales and Holiday busyness will be over soon. So, when asked how was your Holiday? I plan on pausing and giving a silent thanks of gratitude. Happy Holidays!
Sonya Ruff Jarvis, is the Managing Member of Jarvis Consultants and Founder of the eRetailer Summit. Sonya has extensive experience in creating original innovative solutions to overcome major business challenges. Sonya has spent most of her career visiting headquarters across global industries and has built strong business relationships across diverse brands.
Sonya has a M.B.A. in Marketing. She is married and has a daughter and they live in Fairfield County Connecticut.
Follow Sonya on twitter at @jarvisconsult or @eretailersummit.
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