From The Retail People’s John Little

It has almost become a December cliché to look back and comment ‘this year has gone so fast’ - but never before has this seemed truer than this December. Often as we move from challenge to challenge we lose track of time, and this year we have certainly had our share of challenges.

In December 2008 it had become apparent that the economy was shaky and opinion columns were littered with views on who and what was to blame. By the time we moved through first half of 2009 the landscape of the UK High Street changed in a way without comparison. While the Retail industry could focus on 2009 as the year when the wheels seemed to fall off, there were also many lessons and successes.

Online and multichannel retailing stepped into its own this year. We saw the important role of value retailing as customer’s became even more discerning about where they spent. Conversely high-end retailers also assured us that even in the hardest of times people needed luxury.

Predictions for next year include a further easing-up of pressure on the economy and businesses, having taken away the lessons on 2008, investing more into their processes and the technology that supports them.

Whatever the New Year holds, the team at K3 are looking forward to embarking on the challenges of 2009 and wish you all fun and prosperous holiday season.

All the best

John