Excitement is in the air

The future is looking brighter, finally.

I don’t know if you’ve felt it lately, the huge weight that feels like it is coming off. That we are nearing the light at the end of the tunnel. I don’t want us to get too ahead of ourselves because we are still a long way away from a prepandemic way of life, but I do feel like we are getting closer. People are booking trips again, getting on airplanes and cruise ships again, and that means they’ll be coming to your store again.

Millions of people are lining up to receive their vaccines, myself included, and there’s a general sense of optimism. The CDC has even said fully vaccinated people can travel without quarantining or testing. We’re finally feeling like the moment we’ve been waiting for, when we can safely, maskless-ly, enjoy our lives to the fullest again is close by. Taking a vacation is on a lot of people’s minds for when this momentous time occurs. I think we’ve all earned it.

And when that time comes, your store will be one of the places these eager travelers visit. I personally cannot wait to visit my favorite spots in my hometown of San Diego again without restrictions, including Mission Beach and Coronado Island.

Even if your customers can’t see you smile under your masks, you can still show kindness and friendliness toward them.

I am also looking forward to visiting my aunt in Florida again and shopping at our favorite spots in John’s Pass or downtown Dunedin. I’m also looking forward to attending my first face-to-face show in July after more than a year. I’ve heard from many wholesalers that ordering is strong, indicating retailers are anticipating a solid summer season or they experienced a strong selling spree during spring break. The National Retail Federation also reported that March retail sales were up almost 18 percent from last year, which is to be expected, but is still quite reassuring to hear.

Maybe it is the return to nicer weather, maybe it is the lifting of some COVID-19 restrictions, but I’m feeling good. I am also a first-time mom, so I am experiencing so many joys with my son, Kenneth, who was born in November. I can’t wait for him to meet his family members in person for the first time instead of on a computer screen.

There is definitely some positivity in the air. We’ve heard about and covered a lot of stories recently about retailers and wholesalers giving back. You can read about Shelly Cove’s efforts to help raise money for sea turtle rescue efforts on page 8 of this issue. Then on page 74, find out how Beach Happy Market, this issue’s Starfish Award Winner, coordinated efforts to provide meals and raise money after a hurricane hit its North Carolina community.

Let’s keep this positive momentum going. Even if your customers can’t see you smile under your masks, you can still show kindness and friendliness toward them. Let them know how much you appreciate their business and that you can’t wait to see them again. If we can ride this pandemic out a little longer, I think we are going to like what we see on the other side (and under the mask).