Opportunities in a Changed Economy

Here in middle Tennessee, new construction is still happening, but not with the strength that it had. The first positive change for my business is that my favorite carpenter has more time for my small jobs which reinvent the wheel more than not. Subcontractors are most efficient when they can work several houses with the same plan, in the same subdivision with an established rate and pay day. My jobs are in different counties, are of all sizes, and are never the same. We pay more for the carpenter’s time and expertise and generally show him appreciation that he didn’t get in empty houses. My carpenter is showing signs of enjoying the change. Together, in January we will begin offering computer aided carving for trim, shutters, vent covers, (and anything else I design). I am very excited about such an important door opening up that I have almost forgotten the slow down that caused us to look for new opportunities.

Manufacturers have already started offering promotions that we can pass on to our clients. Previously, any savings came out of my pocket. Promotional merchandise is not just over stock junk. Manufacturer’s can work where their profit is best, adjust to niche markets, and facilitate change within the industry to provide better, more targeted products which meet our needs. Their incentives will surely offer some of the best opportunities in the next year.

The rep groups which sell for the manufacturers are lowering their minimum buying requirements in order to draw from a broader base. In some cases, I can buy for the first time furniture I have been wanting to buy for years, but couldn’t without a gallery type store to display the quantity they required. I can meet my individual clients requirements with better choices across the board!

The design world thrives on agotta have it way of thinking that hopefully never comes against restraint. We often sell to people who have it all, but want more. Now, we are all adapting to the idea that most have had losses. Feverish buying seems extremely unlikely this year. That will be good in terms of customer service since rational thinking typically leads to satisfaction better than impulses ever could. I am enjoying the more solid approach to decision making that my clients are making. I find myself rethinking a concept that has always been important to me: investing in lasting quality. While we consider ways to go green in our everyday lives, it is appropriate that we don’t buy and sell cheap, disposable furnishings as well. I have always trumpeted the value of 8 way hand tied springs, and fabric cut by hand to carefully place patterns. Now, it seems more important than ever.

In this time of reflection and change, it is only appropriate we cherish each other and the services we offer. I look forward to offering new services and better fitting purchases.

I truly am envisioning a good year!

Tanna Miller
owner, designer
Trends & Traditions / Design Nashville
ShopDesignNashville.com
615-399-0661