Monday, July 20, 2009

Back to the Salt Mines

"Hi this is Tina from Royal Robbins" she said, "we just took in six big boxes for you. When can you come get them?"
And with that sentence my summer ended. As I said in my last post (way back in April), it had been a long and successful year. I was checking out for a bit. I did the golf, fish, mtn bike, and ski road trip. Thirty four days and 4000 miles of driving. Then I did more of the same at home for another month or so. Awesome.
Now I'm back and ready. It's our 20 year anniversary so this one is going to be extra special. I called in John and Martin to get rolling. We started out in the back shop and are doing the usual mods to incorporate new equipment. A new boot sole planer with vacuum means another table to stuff back there. John and Martin are on it like evil scientists. John brings in large power tools in boxes. I hear loud noises like a maniac dentists lab. I'm sure it will be fine.
Meanwhile I have organized the game plan to be ready for the sale. Marketing plan with postcard. Signage needs. All the new cool items we will be receiving added to the point of sale database. Sale price sheets made up. All sale pricing into the computer. Staff and manufacturers reps called to get work commitments for the big sale. Renew basic supplies like staples and pens. There lot's more but your bored already!
Then the boxes come. Between August 1st and August 25th we will get about 80% of the inventory we will be getting for the ENTIRE YEAR. We will be packed to the ceiling with about 600 pairs of boots, 250 pairs of skis, a few hundred helmets, gloves, socks, wax irons...everything. And we have to count it, price it, display it, merchandise it, and back stock excess stock. By 8/29 this has to be done and looking good for you to walk in the front doors. The first year it was daunting. Now I know it is possible and that we will (somehow) get it done.
Here we go!
I will keep you posted as we go along...
Oh, and Martin leaves tomorrow for Mt. Hood to ski race. A bit of general training and then the summer race that kicks off the master racers season. He always comes home with some points that give him a good head start for the year. Here's hoping this year is no different!