RETAILOBSERVER.COM DECEMBER 2022
4
DECEMBER 2022, VOLUME 33, ISSUE 12
CELEBRATING OUR 33
RD
YEAR
AS THE RETAIL OBSERVER
PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR
E LIANA BARRIGA
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING
MOE LASTFOGEL
ART DIRECTOR
TERRY PRICE
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
SARAH BROWN
ANDY KRIEGE
RICH LINDBLOM
STEVEN MORRIS
DON PIERSON
ERIC SINDELAR
ROB STOTT
JOHN TSCHOHL
LIBBY WAGNER
ALAN WOLF
DEADLINE FOR FEB 2023 ISSUE:
JANUARY 1, 2023
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THE RETAIL
Elle's View As I See It
Eliana Barriga
eliana@retailobserver.com
Happy Holidays,
W
ith the holiday season in full swing, let's hope we can find time for a
break to reflect on how much we've accomplished this year and start
planning for 2023. I have friends who do this very deliberately at
every year's end. They'll go somewhere warm near the ocean to review the past
year's performance and adjust for what's coming for their businesses, themselves,
and their families.
Okay, I understand that time away from your business can seem more stressful
than it's worth. I'm not suggesting you hop on a plane and take off for Costa Rica
and spend all your time lying in the sand – although, hey, not a bad idea. I'm
talking about a long weekend break to let yourself and your team get a little R&R
and maybe do some important planning.
A nice spot doesn't need to be expensive. You can rent a local beach house
or cabin for 3 or 4 days at winter rates. Start the morning with a nice breakfast,
and maybe a walk a few miles to clear your head. Plan to spend 4 or 5 hours a
day on your agenda. Break for lunch, and at day's end leave all work talk and
thoughts behind until tomorrow. This routine will allow you and your team to clear
your heads and start fresh in the morning.
During your planning time, go over each area of the business and identify
what's working and what might have to change. Target some problem areas and
discuss possible solutions. Review the year's accounting reports and results
from your company's sales and promotions. Leave room for a brainstorming
session where everyone can add any new ideas, including ideas for out-of-the-
box promotions.
Yes, you might not get every question answered and every problem solved,
but the time away will help you come up with fresh ideas for the new year. I've
found during the business retreats I've attended that the scheduled time away
was invaluable for the company and my own frame of mind and well-being.
THE YEAR-END
RETREAT:
REVIEW &
PLANNING
