EDilTORIAL

The Long Distance Runner

1\NE OF the likely results from what promises \-/to be continuing shortages of gas. electricity and other energy sources will be more people spending more of their time at home. Grounded by gas shortages and stuck at home, it seems inevitable that yet another major surge in home fix-up enthusiasm is upon us.

It represents a major opportunity for the alert retailer and his suppliers, but preparation is a must. Business as usual is just not going to make it.

As this is our annual Hardware/Housewares Issue, let us consider those departments as they are among the key elements to the do-it-yourselfer. Start your preparations for this business increase by doing some basic, clean sheet thinking. Try and look at these areas or departments in your store as you would if you were looking at them for the first time. Ask yourself some hard questions. Be honest. Do they really meet fully all phases of a critical examination?

Next, ask others to be as honestly critical as you have been with yourself. Seek constructive, helpful ideas, but don't be too quick to discard negativism. It may contain a key to improvement. Ask friends, other management and employees at all pertinent levels. Then decide whether the expense and time of hiring an outside consultant is justified. Take advantage of wholesaler and management advice and backUD,

Then make the changes that you feel, after reflecting upon the advice received, will produce a positive improvement. Don't be afraid to experiment. It may be that you will have to start at square one with your housewares or hardware departments. Or you may feel that a little tightening up and polishing may be all that is reasonably needed.

Follow up the changes, of whatever magnitude, with a oeriod of evaluation. Give the new wrinkles a fair-chance to Drove themselves. Rate therr effectiveness continually and with objectivity. Otherwise, it will all be for nothing. Continue to fine tune and re-evaluate.

Keep running hard, because when you stand still, even for a moment, you are really falling behind.