Before the pandemic many of us probably started each January filled with enthusiasm, believing we could see through all our good intentions for the full 12 months ahead. These days we’re a bit more realistic. Most people would probably agree that bold new year’s resolutions rarely work and that it’s much more effective to make smaller adjustments to our lives and businesses. This is especially true in 2023 when many of us have entered the year feeling a bit burnt out and exhausted.
So, if you’d rather concentrate on getting your mojo back this month than doing ‘Dry Jan’, we’re right there with you. This issue is full of ideas, advice and feasible solutions to help you make the most of 2023 – not just at the start, but for the entire year.
For those of you hoping to get a plan in place this month, retail expert Wizz Selvey reveals some bite-size strategies for growing your business on pages 78-80. Her advice includes breaking grand plans into smaller manageable goals, enlisting support from the right places and prioritising important tasks to help you keep a razor-sharp focus.
Elsewhere, Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre suggests some practical new year business resolutions for indies to consider in his column on page 90. From ideas on growing sales during the cost of living crisis to creating the very best offer you can for your customers, he reveals why having a clear focus is often the best way to find motivation.
But January, of course, is already one of the busiest times of the year for fashion indies as the new buying season begins. So with that in mind, this issue is also brimming with new collection launches, trade show updates and essential dates for your 2023 buying calendar. Whether you’re looking for a new collection to wow shoppers or want to branch out into a different category, we’re here to help you succeed.
We hope this issue leaves you feeling energised and ready to take on the year. But if your plans for 2023 still feel a little uncertain, that’s completely understandable too.
Gemma Ward, Editor
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