By all accounts 2007 was a great year for growth at NetShops. In our sixth year of operation, we had our first profitable year alongside tremendous growth in the number of stores we operate. With this in mind it's hard to believe that 2008 holds even more promise.
Yet it's true. 2008 looks to be our most successful year yet. Our proven stores like SimplyBunkBeds.com, Barstools.com, and Hammocks.com have shown sustained growth year after year. And many of our new stores from 2007 like SeniorShops.com, which features thousands of products and gifts to make life easier and more comfortable for seniors and the elderly, have yet to reach their full potential.
But enough about us. You've probably got plans of your own for a better life in 2008. If that means getting organized, check out ClosetOrganizerSource.com for ideas. If it's finishing or improving your home office, MoreHomeOfficeFurniture.com has all the furnishings you need. Whatever home-improvement projects or new hobby you plan to undertake in 2008, chances are you'll find help at NetShops.com.
Brighter days lie ahead. The same holds true whether you're looking at the farmer's almanac or the NetShops' 2008 forecast. Our holiday rush is still in full force, but in the coming days it will gradually ease back to normal levels.
Of course we'll still have many orders to fill after the holiday as happy customers redeem NetShops gift certificates, but the transition to a post-holiday schedule gives us a chance to look ahead. As the sun climbs higher and the days grow longer, it's time to make sure our outdoor living stores are stocked with the latest hammocks, patio umbrellas, and patio furniture.
It's been a successful holiday season at NetShops. In terms of sales, record store traffic, and overall customer satisfaction, we got exactly what we wanted this year. We hope you do too.
From all of us at NetShops, we wish you and yours all the best this holiday season. And we truly hope that your time is filled with peace, laughter, family, and friends.
The boxes have been piling up at my door over the past few weeks. Given their near-daily arrival, one would think that I would have learned to step over them as I cross the threshold to greet my leaping beagles. Alas, many a cardboard box has been kicked in the direction of my dear, unsuspecting dogs.
Yet slight stumbles and surprised pups have been the biggest drawbacks to this year's holiday shopping, nearly all of which I did online. I nearly tripped over robes for my parents, pajamas for the in-laws, bocce for my brothers, and dog beds for the dogs, just to name a few. Compared to braving the wintry elements, shuffling through crowds, and waiting in lines, suddenly finding a package underfoot seems like small potatoes...not to mention perhaps the most convenient, time-saving application the web has to offer.
An unexpected benefit of all this Internet shopping has been the boxes themselves. Without boxes I've struggled mightily in the past to wrap irregularly shaped gifts like cookware and slippers, nearly ruining Christmas with my shoddy folds and haphazard taping. But this year, with smooth, rectangular boxes awaiting my fumbling hands, I just might manage some presentable presents I can be proud to present.
December 12th has always been one of my favorite dates. There's just something appealing about those dozens lined up side by side: 12/12. Twelve days until Christmas Eve, followed by the twelve days of Christmas. I can't help but get the feeling that things are coming together.
At NetShops, things certainly are. Our holiday preparation starts in July, when Christmas seems a long way off. Yet on our busiest days in December this year, we've had nearly 2 million people walk through our virtual doors, so we need that kind of head start to make sure things run smoothly. And our hard work is paying off: we've hosted over 80% more guests than a year ago.
It's exciting to think that millions of people are choosing NetShops for their holiday shopping - whether it's Christmas trees and holiday decor items for their homes or popular gifts like jewelry armoires and riding toys for friends and family. Knowing that we're working to make the holidays a little easier and more enjoyable for our customers is what keeps a lot of us going.
With that in mind, I plan to take today's calendaric reminder to savor the sights and sounds of Christmas in December. Because before we know it, it will be Christmas in July.