Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays

Looking back over the year I've seen my creative side expand a bit more, and opportunities for selling what I make grow wider.  Instead of just one or two major places, another jumped up and several smaller ones presented themselves.  It's a long way from being self sufficient as a business but there is growth and that's what counts.

 

Niche markets can be really unpredictable especially in this economy. I'm seeing less happening in the way of creative stuffed toys and much much more happening in pet toys.  And shifts in sales too - what was 'hot property' for the Christmas season last year (felt ornaments) was completely overlooked this year and the muffs took off like crazy this year. Next year it might be something completely different and I'll be stuck with the muffs and have to look for new ideas. 

 

I did notice that one person who sold out was purchasing those $1 pair of knitted gloves from the Dollar Stores and cutting the fingers and thumb off them, sewed on a ridge of fake fur and was selling them as Texting Gloves.  Hmm.  Yes they looked cute. The fake fur was 1" wide and didn't interfere with finger use, but the things would do nothing to keep your hands from freezing when you're done texting. 

 

Niche market stuff.

 

Keep thinking up new things.  Colors, trends, fads, it may seem like taking a chance, but without taking it you'll never know how something will turn out for you.

 

Happy Holidays!