Retail Therapy

Last week I had a conversation with a friend about how much retail has altered and the impact online and big supermarket consumerism is having on small business. There is no doubt that many people in small business believe online shopping and huge superstore facilities are creating a scenario that is difficult to compete with and therefore endangering not only the economy but also the variety of products available to customers. In addition to this could it be that our desire for instant retail gratification and convenience consumerism is causing us to miss out on a large chunk of the whole shopping experience that used to be the most enjoyable part. I think it is.

It's true that it certainly is much less time consuming using the internet to buy things, and it's definitely more convenient to buy everything you need in one supermarket. However, what about choice. And what about customer service. And if we really think it through, what about being made to feel good about what you're about to buy (or have just bought). Is there as much enjoyment in the clinical process of purchasing online as there is in going to a small boutique shop where you can peruse and discuss, try on, touch, smell or even taste before you buy and as a result discover wonderful gems that surprise and delight, which you may never otherwise have encountered.

I believe that in trying to persue convenience we are doing ourselves out of the most enjoyable part of shopping, the part that personalises shopping and makes it about you and not just about extracting money from your wallet for mass profit!

Just one more thing........we are fast approaching that time again when we are supposed to reflect on the past year and attempt to look ahead with a positive attitude. Well, one might find it hard at the moment given the state of economic affairs and the usual turmoil in various areas of the globe to be positive. However, the way I see it is that there has always been economic strife and general unrest, so I say continue to "fight the good fight" and have another dram, then suddenly the outlook for the future looks a lot more palatable.

Opportunity knocks.....or does it?

Recent days have seen the subject of youth unemployment hit the headlines. With government quoted figures of over a million out of work 16 to 24 year olds the subject is a hot topic for debate. The politicians and the general public alike have been quick to respond, with all commentators presenting a variety of causes and solutions. What I have often noticed in situations like this is that people are often quick to point the finger and criticise. While I believe it is true that the government does need to act, as they have a clear responsibility to, and some of the ideas they are presenting may help, I do believe that wider society in general (that’s you and me) has to shoulder some of the responsibility.

The government has said that its new intervention plan aimed at combating the problem will provide some form of solution for around 400,000 of those affected. But what about the other 600,000 + who don’t fall into this bracket? That’s where the rest of us could potentially have a role to play. When I was 18 I had just finished sixth form. I came away from both compulsory and further education with little more than 5 very average GCSE’s and had very little in the way of work experience. To any potential employer I was by no means a catch. This meant that at some point I had to rely on someone to give me a break. Take a risk. Throw me a bone. Call it what you will, but without someone giving me the opportunity, I had no way of proving my true potential and value as an asset to the work place. I was blessed with such an opportunity and while it was not the best paid position in the world, it was a foot on the first rung of the career ladder.

I believe that every single one of us has the ability, either through advice, assistance or paid work, to give young people today an opportunity to be something more than just an unemployment statistic. Sure, young people have to make the decision to engage, but if the opportunity is not available then there’s not much of a decision in the first place. Most of us, maybe all of us, had to be given some form of an opportunity to get to where we are today. Someone took a chance and saw something in us. Ask yourself the question, do you offer the same opportunity to the young people you encounter?

Just one more thing.........This past week has been one of collapsed currency talk and projected financial misery in both the UK and Euro-zone. As a result I found myself slipping subconsciously into a mode of negative outlook and dull thoughts for the future. Then I remembered the millions of people living in abject poverty around the world and thought “perspective Conrad, perspective!!!”   

Putting yourself out there.

Well here it is. My first blog. I've been contemplating the idea of a platform for having a rant for a while. But then it could be argued that I'm a little presumptuous thinking that anyone out there would want to hear what I have to say. On the other hand maybe I've stayed silent long enough. It's too easy to allow the huge world around us today to swallow up our seemingly small voices giving way to a perpetual state of apathy. As long as we have the ability to think, we have a voice.

So, as often as is possible I'll be on here presenting my thoughts and observations. I welcome any comments and look forward to a future of blogging!

Before I go, just one more thing...... Check out 'Garrows Law' on BBC1 Sunday evenings. Based on the true life of a barrister in the 1700's who helped change the judicial system, not just in the UK, but in many countries around the world. A great example of social justice and how one voice can change history!

Laterzzzz