Let's talk about sales

Eight days before the sales began, a woman in the store was interested in some Pons Quintana sandals. They were expensive, close to 200 euros. He tried them on and he loved them. He asked me if I could give him the discount now. “I'm so sorry but I can't. In order for us to work out, we have to sell our merchandise at its normal price in season, respect the sales dates and apply a progressive discount. If I sell you these sandals today at a discounted price, I am losing eight days of selling them at their normal price. If you come for them next Saturday instead of Monday (when the balances begin), I will already apply the discount,” I suggested.

-It seems fair to me and I understand it perfectly. I live at the other end of Oviedo but I will return on Saturday because I love them. "I hope my number still exists," he said.

That's how things turned out. During the week, no one asked about those sandals in his number and on Friday I kept them for him in case on Saturday he kept his word and came for them. Since she was understanding, I considered that since the agreed date was so close I could save them a day before. He deserved it. Early on Saturday he showed up at the store. “I'm coming for my sandals. Do you still have them?” he asked. "Clear! I already set them aside for you yesterday so that you wouldn't be left without them. Thank you very much for meeting and respecting our deadlines,” I replied happily, with a smile from ear to ear.

She got them cheaper but respected our deadlines and gave value to our merchandise and our work. Marvelous. I tell you this because on numerous occasions consumers abuse trust and put pressure on small businesses with continuous requests for discounts or unfair accusations such as “how expensive everything is!” We have a store with a certain product that has quality and value. We are neither a market, where haggling is common, nor "we have everything expensive", our merchandise is also expensive for us but we have opted for difference and quality. If you don't want or can't pay for it, we think it's great and totally respectable, but don't pour judgment or disqualification on us. The sandal lady showed empathy and acted with understanding and honesty. Thank you.

We have been active for 55 years thanks to work, enthusiasm, honesty and, above all, to you (parents, brothers, boyfriends, friends, children or colleagues who buy for them), our customers, because:

-You respect and value our work and the quality of our articles.

-You respect our pricing policy and the dates of promotions (designed so that the business can survive and not for anyone's enrichment).

-You reward us every year with your loyalty, whether in season or during sales, as we know that each pocket also has its patterns and rhythms.

-You support us by participating in campaigns and being part of our history.

-You praise our taste in buying for you and advising you.

-You understand that quality has a cost and that the saying that “there are no dollars for three pesetas” has never been more true.

Thanks to your trust we are still here, despite the fact that the sales have been distorted by discounts and continuous promotions, the strategies of the great low-cost gurus (although it is less low every day), the changes in consumer habits, the Internet sales and climate change. Yes, you read correctly, even the weather is against us. It is increasingly difficult to sell a coat in season because the heat comes almost in the fall and the cold comes in the spring.

Sales were born in the United States (of course?) back in 1930 and arrived in Spain ten years later thanks to Sederías Carretas. The objective of this commercial practice was for the businessman to lighten his warehouse after the annual inventory by offering his stock at a lower price. Almost a century later, the purpose of sales remains the same. Logically, the profit margin is much lower, which is why they are held twice a year and on certain dates. However, with the liberalization of the sale calendar, in 2012, small businesses are left with their tongues out. How do we compete with the large fashion distributors, who are also manufacturers, and the dates and promotions they impose on us?

And another thing. Do you ever wonder what is done with so many clothes? It may be my feeling but I would swear that the clothes are reproduced in department stores during sales. Do they sell everything? What do they do with it afterwards? Are we that much population for all that merchandise? Where is it manufactured and under what conditions? What environmental consequences does this excess production have?

The survival of small businesses (which give life and light to the neighborhood) depends on consumers being responsible and consistent when purchasing. It would be nice if the sales periods were re-established and the practices of continuous discounting ended. But if the rulers don't do it, at least think about what you want to contribute. Thank you for valuing us and for staying there.