Countdown to Christmas

14 more days before Christmas. People seem joyful and hopeful, and busily engage in various activities, such as, shopping for Christmas presents, hunting for 'look-at-me' party outfits, and arranging social events. Last Saturday I walked through the thoroughfare of the Guildford high street for my haircut appointment. The high street was heaving, the atmosphere was dynamic, and it was full of pedestrians milling around, and hawker stalls selling various knickknacks (e.g. handmade soft toys and hand painted, glass platters). It was really good to see a high street full of people and energy. However, I cannot help wonder how long this buoyancy and optimism will last, particularly in terms of retail trading. Do retailers have to intensify their sales promotional activities after Christmas and New Year to lure shopper traffic and spending? Before Christmas many retailers have already atypically and aggressively engaged in sales activities to drive their businesses. How much and how long can retailers continue with sales activities to sustain their survival? Consumers will undoubtedly rein their spending to prepare themselves for the hefty credit card bills that are lurking to arrive by the end of January. Maybe I'm worrying too much. Maybe I should learn more to enjoy the 'present' (the current state). While I don't celebrate Christmas much, I do look forward to the break that is bestowed by Christmas and New Year.