44 • The Way of the Buffalo
Honor Your Goose
March 2006
First, we have finally evolved into something different from all the rest of the pack. We have become fashion; and we have to be careful to remain humble about it. We are the place where people who love clothing come, not just to get stuff, but to see us—what we are wearing—and to hear us—what we are saying about style and who knows what else. They also come to see and be with other customers who populate our stores—to see what they are wearing and doing, and saying. It’s no accident that we are in cool places all over the country and will continue to move in that direction. We have found our passion and have managed to stamp that image on ourselves and the public. This is not true of all our stores yet; but it is becoming the truth. Being conscious of it is powerful and dangerous at the same time. I’ll let you dwell on that one. Those of us who are not into this enthrallment but are dedicated to the company and its success have to deal with this reality—this company persona—without allowing ourselves to become alienated in the process. My advice is simple: respect it and honor it. It is, after all, the Golden Goose. Our job is to support, nurture, and protect it. It is what feeds us all.