In normal circumstances

Hi, Carla - it can be really difficult getting yourself over a downturn in trade. Folks say "downturn" as if it's nothing; in reality, it represents the hopes, dreams and finances of many businesses. Somehow you've gotta change the focus from doing the expected to something way over the top. When I'm in the right mood, (or being a little less lazy 8-) ), I can do this quite well. But if and when I'm in the same "downturn" as my business, I can find it virtually impossible to pull myself up by my bootstraps!

In my time, I have done some completely off-the-wall things; I had someone knit me a woollen sweater with the shop name on it; where it got a little different was that I also got her to knit into the design a list of the things we sold in the shop. You can't begin to imagine how many conversations that started, in the supermarket, on the street - it was a great icebreaker. I'm a little larger now (ok, I need to go back to Lesley's blubberblowout ebook and start cutting down!) so I don't feel quite so good about being a walking billboard :)

I'm sorry that your shopkeeper has given up on her business; I understand her reasons, but that leaves you in a really difficult position.

I wonder if you've approached some window installers/glaziers who know people with broken windows, upgrading windows, new front doors, etc, who might refer their clients to you?? Or have you approached the town hall, in case some of your products would make special presentation pieces for visitors to the town, 50 years' service awards, etc. I'd also probably send leaflets to:
- the Sales Manager of local companies
- the School Secretary
- Denitists
- Doctors
- Opticians

you never know, perhaps someone would need a corporate gift, a special window advertising their own services, etc. If you aren't well enough to do this for yourself, you could probably get a postcard designed on the USPS site and, using addresses you supply them, I believe they will post them out for you, for quite a reasonable price (or it was, the last time I looked.)

> BTW-OT my daughter is planning her wedding next May in Finglas. They are
> getting married in a small church her fiance's great great grandparents
> were married in. What is the weather like in May. I have heard it can be
> rather cool.

Sorry, I think you asked me this already and I got sidetracked that day. In many years, the weather in May can be fantastic; however, this year was totally disappointing and quite cold. There was snow on some of the mountain tops, for heavens sake! So any trip over the pond in May should be accompanied by layers of clothes, so that you can all cope with whatever the conditions turn out to be. Are you coming over??

Best
Margaret