
So I closed the shop initially for two weeks, then almost another week as I didn't quite get it done due mainly to other commitments. This is the longest the shop has been closed since I opened and it was a struggle for me. Not just because of the financial implications of closing but because I love my role as a shop keeper.
There are a few niggles that need to be ironed out in terms of the layout. The record room needs some rethinking as does the clothes rail, at least for winter wardrobes. Some of the fixtures fittings need updating, without sounding like Shakin' Stevens.
Huge shout out to my friends who have helped and supported me over this period whether it be through moral encouragement, continued support of the shop through S.H.O.P.P.I.N.G. or through helping me reform it into what it is now. Also my arty friends who photograph me in my shop and help me believe in myself when I struggle, these mainly being Caroline and Andy. Love to my family also who care so much about how well I have blossomed since having my own shop space.
My good friend Adam has been a rock through this period helping me with both ideas, planning and by helping me achieving my goals. Special thanks also go to another good friend called Al who helped me with his organisational skills, muscle and helping me see that there are other routes than chaos. There are four of my customers also I'd like to thank here, as they are continually encouraging of what I have achieved; but I'll just refer to them as G, R, M and T for the sake of data protection. (I could give you aliases but I want to keep your custom.) So thank you. Sorry if I forgot you my other dears, its been a long day but I am very truely grateful for your help too (phew, he goes, escaped the embarassment of that one).
We are fast approaching 3 years since I opened my doors for the first time. I hope to continue to bring you good quality bargains and assortments of interesting things. I hope to iron out the issues that I see with the current set up and make it a special experience visiting my shop.
One of my customers told me that I should be proud of what I have achieved, but without a community of supporting people I would be nothing and I'd be lost. Life is tough as is the commercial industry of retail. I love what I do and I want it to work so much, so I will continue my quest to make this my primary source of income and main vocation. I hope you'll come and join in sometimes, as we have a lot of fun here at Retrospection.