The sudden burst of business

[Twpchair]

I am in Retail Furniture and decor. Although it has been a great year business is up about 42% vs the last year and a half. Since about October, there has been something different going on. There is a feeling in the air is the only way I can describe it and people are shopping and they are swiping those cards! The year and a slower half was our biggest boost in cash and checks (budget shopping) not no more. Impulse buying is coming back! I listen to our customers when they are talking about an item and I hear more and more I don't know what I am going to do with it or where I will put it but I just have to do it! I am not sure what it is but they are swiping away! Is anyone else noticing a boost in sales? Also, I have asked our regulars on Black Friday how it was going for sales at the normal big box stores and online just because it was one of our best Black Fridays ever! Most said that they don't fight the crowds anymore or go nuts over Black Friday because most are doing it 2-3 times now a year and it's just not that big of a savings or fun of a one-day out with the girls type thing. I know in July Amazon had one and I got some extra office supplies and that was it. I saved 8%? They decided to go local on both Friday and Saturday. Thank you, and I hope each and every one a great finish to the year and an even better 2025!!! 

[maxpete · Accepted solution]

Love hearing this!! 🙂 

[maxpete · Accepted solution]

Love hearing this!! 🙂 

[Twpchair]

Me too! Just curious about others? I see down below others are asking the same question just worded differently. This is great to see and hear! Time for small business owners to shine!

[Donnie-M · Accepted solution]

@Twpchair We have seen an uptick since the election is over.  I feel that the uncertainty being gone really encourages people to spend because they know what to expect regardless of affiliation.  I do think this is more of a macroeconomic effect, but I am sure the lowering of interest rates helps also generally speaking.

[Twpchair]

It’s funny you say that because I am one from day 1 my dad told keep politics and religion out of of your mouth and focus on your business. But this last month and these are regular customers every week that I didn’t have no clue what they were nor did I really care. Just great customers and good people. She told me after spending almost 485.00 on decor that it’s just a feeling in the air and people are spending and charging like crazy. The mode in the store is back to i don’t know what I am going to do with it but I just want it. That splurge and impulse buying is back compared to if it broke I guess I have to replace it with the cheapest option. They realize the difference now and feel encouraged. I heard Black Friday and cyber Monday was crazy! Both Friday and Saturday were our best days in 12 years. You nailed it I think. 

[rtfulk]

@Twpchair That's one of the important rules we tell our employees. Talk about anything but politics and religion.

[Twpchair]

100% when I told my parents I was leaving the Physical Therapist job and opening up my own business I thought they were going to have a heart attack first. But, my dad told me 1 keep my license up every year and go get it! Word of advice keep politics and religion out of your business and you will be fine. I don't allow political signs on our windows or parking lot and my brother in law is our state Representative but also a business owner and understands. For small businesses, it's hard enough so IMO stick to business and customers do talk about it, and I either say yes or nod and change the subject fast. The next one in line might feel the direct opposite of the one talking. I have always been that way though. What you do once you step into that booth that's your business, not mine. The same goes for myself. I am in a very rural area in Central Michigan and we poll in at roughly 96% Republican. My huge precinct has 263 registered voters 😆 but we are all small business owners except fast food and dollar general at every corner. Our big draw is we are at a 3-way merge of interstate highways and get the weekend traffic like crazy! In the summer we grow by 60-70% when our summer people come back to the lakes. That's usually when debates get heated or deep conversation between customers. I let them converse like grown-ups but if it gets loud or swearing starts then I just tell them this isn't the time or place. I have kids in here and people looking for furniture that I need to help. They stop. 

[JGPromotions]

Agree! We were in a sales slump but have seen a big uptick in sales the last few weeks.