Crystal Ball Anyone?

Image by Jayjay402 via Flickr

I often wish I possessed more magical powers - being able to predict lottery numbers would certainly be really useful, and in my past and current role being able to spot bestsellers and knowing how much to buy of each item would be a really handy skill.

But alas, unless any of you has a spare crystal ball, (willing to collect), I have to resort to a special recipe, evolved over years working in retail: Take a pinch of historical sales, add a touch of current trends, and then the abracadabra bit - gut instinct!

Ok - its not fool proof - but when launching a range which has a fresh new look, already fetching more interest and excitement than current ranges, there isn't a lot else to go on. So it was with some trepidation that I placed the first order for Ochre And Ocre's new British collection this morning. There are some new lines that we have no history on at all - so it is really finger in the air time. How many tea cosy's will we sell - and will people like our handy new carrier bag holders? Which design is going to be stronger? We have had so many requests for blue to go with people's kitchens, will customers like the lovely Isabella print, or will the fun Madelaine be more popular.

When developing the range a select panel of friends and acquaintances voted on the initial designs, and it was a real Millionaire moment: 50 /50, phone a friend? With votes spread fairly equally across the two, it is going to be interesting watching the sales in the first initial weeks.

So keep an eye out on our website, the new British collection will be going live by the end of February. And if any of you want to place a bet on the winning design and item, the odds are looking pretty good at the moment!