Gift Basket Help
25/04/09 19:21 Filed in: In the News
What’s New Except History Repeating Itself?
Flash back to 2002 . . .
America was in crisis. The nation had been attacked and the economy was in shambles. We were fighting out fears and frustrations in a war that no one really wanted but felt compelled to enter. Small businesses were having a tough time staying alive. But even in our nation’s very worst season -- at least, the worst of what most of us can remember in our lifetime -- gifts were still being exchanged by consumers and corporations. Gift basket businesses were still making sales and holding somewhat steady.
Everywhere, people were tightening belts. The average national retail price of gift baskets dropped a bit, but even so, the volume of sales inched up just a tad. Gift basket business owners were working harder but pocketing a little less. But, through it all, the majority of business owners who kept the faith, by and large, hung on and survived.
Return to the present, now, and look at the similarities. Turn on the television and the word repeated into oblivion is “crisis”. Maybe the nation has been attacked again -- this time, perhaps by its own internal greed and selfishness. And here we go -- battling something we don’t understand that seems to be within our own ranks. Everyone, except the government, is pulling back on spending -- or so we are told.
Same song, second chorus. But here is the verse you may not remember from the past: businesses and individuals are still spending money on gifts. Think about yourself and your own habits. Will you buy trinkets and chocolate to fill your family’s basket this Easter? Of course you will! Would families dare not show their affection to Mom this Mother’s Day? Not unless they want to eat cornbread and turnips for the next month. Will you buy your best friend a birthday present, or bring a baby gift to a shower? Sure, you will. All these occasions will be greeted with gifts -- just as they have in the past.
As in 2002, there is a good probability that purchased gifts may be a bit more austere, but history proves that in the worst of times, gifts will continue to be exchanged.
Not sure? Read through a bit of history for reassurance. In the 2002 January issue of Gift Basket Review, the editorial headline was: “Get Geared Up . . . The Trail Is Tough.” You will be inspired by the ideas in this back issue. Gift Basket Review was so ahead of its time that the ideas in the past issues make good contemporary advice: “Times are rough for many businesses and cash is squeezed tight. But there are always ways to get through.”
To locate this phenomenal issue, click on GBR Print Archives (PDF). Look for the January 2002 issue. You can enjoy Gift Basket Review exactly as it was published. Remember that this is an archive issue and not all products shown are still available from the vendors. When you contact some of the past supporters of Gift Basket Review, remind them that you are a member of GBR Online and you would love to see their NEW products advertised on the site. Thanks for your support. As history as shown, “Together we can!” And together, thanks for helping us retool the fun GBR community. I’d love to hear your comments, so e-mail me: dpaulk@mac.com!
Debra Paulk
Editor, GBR Online
Flash back to 2002 . . .
America was in crisis. The nation had been attacked and the economy was in shambles. We were fighting out fears and frustrations in a war that no one really wanted but felt compelled to enter. Small businesses were having a tough time staying alive. But even in our nation’s very worst season -- at least, the worst of what most of us can remember in our lifetime -- gifts were still being exchanged by consumers and corporations. Gift basket businesses were still making sales and holding somewhat steady.
Everywhere, people were tightening belts. The average national retail price of gift baskets dropped a bit, but even so, the volume of sales inched up just a tad. Gift basket business owners were working harder but pocketing a little less. But, through it all, the majority of business owners who kept the faith, by and large, hung on and survived.
Return to the present, now, and look at the similarities. Turn on the television and the word repeated into oblivion is “crisis”. Maybe the nation has been attacked again -- this time, perhaps by its own internal greed and selfishness. And here we go -- battling something we don’t understand that seems to be within our own ranks. Everyone, except the government, is pulling back on spending -- or so we are told.
Same song, second chorus. But here is the verse you may not remember from the past: businesses and individuals are still spending money on gifts. Think about yourself and your own habits. Will you buy trinkets and chocolate to fill your family’s basket this Easter? Of course you will! Would families dare not show their affection to Mom this Mother’s Day? Not unless they want to eat cornbread and turnips for the next month. Will you buy your best friend a birthday present, or bring a baby gift to a shower? Sure, you will. All these occasions will be greeted with gifts -- just as they have in the past.
As in 2002, there is a good probability that purchased gifts may be a bit more austere, but history proves that in the worst of times, gifts will continue to be exchanged.
Not sure? Read through a bit of history for reassurance. In the 2002 January issue of Gift Basket Review, the editorial headline was: “Get Geared Up . . . The Trail Is Tough.” You will be inspired by the ideas in this back issue. Gift Basket Review was so ahead of its time that the ideas in the past issues make good contemporary advice: “Times are rough for many businesses and cash is squeezed tight. But there are always ways to get through.”
To locate this phenomenal issue, click on GBR Print Archives (PDF). Look for the January 2002 issue. You can enjoy Gift Basket Review exactly as it was published. Remember that this is an archive issue and not all products shown are still available from the vendors. When you contact some of the past supporters of Gift Basket Review, remind them that you are a member of GBR Online and you would love to see their NEW products advertised on the site. Thanks for your support. As history as shown, “Together we can!” And together, thanks for helping us retool the fun GBR community. I’d love to hear your comments, so e-mail me: dpaulk@mac.com!
Debra Paulk
Editor, GBR Online