Whatever you might think of 2017, there is no doubt that it was a challenging year and the last 12 months certainly kept the retail industry on its toes. PWW spoke to Yuri Margossian, owner of Stage Door in Harpenden, to find out how the last year has shaped up for the party and costume retailer.
Competition Overload
“Overall there is much too much competition in the party industry. Not only do we have to contend with the normal competition from other shops, but we also have to compete against the big chains and the internet.”
Value Of Loyalty
“If suppliers want the small to medium businesses to continue then they should stop selling to non-party shops, the big chains and to people who are only selling on the internet as they have virtually no overheads and can sell at cheaper prices.”
Online Concerns
“Costumes are being sold direct to the customer on Amazon for around £10 while we can only buy them for about £13. Furthermore, helium prices are being increased and we can’t pass that on to the consumer because of fierce competition.”
Dress-Up Delights
“Halloween and New Year were our highlights for obvious reasons.”
The party industry in three words: Exploited, commercialised, ruthless.
