​By Eliana Barriga
Publisher and Managing Editor for The Retail Observer

Fourth of July, our Independence Day was declared a national holiday to memorialize the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4,
1776. This public statement announced that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as independent states and were no longer a part of the British Empire. Instead, they now formed a new nation
called the United States of America.

As we celebrate with friends and family this Fourth of July, let us remember that our freedom does not come free. We are the land of the free – because of the brave. While we take time to recognize our country’s rich history, it is also important to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Let us take a moment to reflect on how
blessed we all are to call ourselves Americans.

As John Adams so thoughtfully expressed his sentiments in a letter to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776, “This will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

This Fourth of July, I wish for you to be surrounded by family and friends, enjoying good food, music, outdoor fun & games followed by spectacular fireworks!! I know I plan to be with the people that I love most by my side, with food in our bellies and love in our hearts, celebrating our Freedom with a deep sense of gratitude of the Spirit of ’76.
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Let freedom ring!
Eliana Barriga
eliana@retailobserver.com

​​By Moe Lastfogel
Director of Sales and Marketing for The Retail Observer

This issue marks the 14th year anniversary of Eliana and me working together on The Retail Observer. Wow. As many of you know, Chuck Edmonds started the magazine in April of 1970 as the Northern California Retailer. The magazine was sold in 1983 to NKBA Hall of Famer Don Martin of Kasmar Publications and subsequently repurchased from Don by Chuck in 1990 to rebrand as Retail Observer. Eliana and I took over in 2007, and renamed the magazine The Retail Observer.

This little “news rag”, as Chuck put it, has seen many changes since 2007. When we took over the magazine, subscription was in only 30 states with approximately 3,600 actual subscribers to the paper copy and no digital footprint except for a one-page contact website. Forward to today, there are close to 18,000 print subscribers and 9,200 digital subscribers to our current version, with a well-viewed multi-page website that has viewers from more than 38 countries worldwide.

Back when Chuck owned the magazine, he and Lee Boucher would travel around to various local events to take pictures of attendees at trade shows, regional meetings and vendor events. Content was mostly new products and local events in a 32-page format. Following their lead, today we partner with well over 26 trade shows internationally which we sponsor, and work closely with more than 20 trade associations and buying groups to bring you their news and informational articles in a 68-page publication.

One of the biggest changes to the magazine is our audience. When we started, the vast majority of our readership was approximately 85% independent retailers. Currently, independent retailers make up about 68% of our readership with the remainder consisting of builders, contractors, architects, designers and various other industry related leaders.

We are very proud of what has been accomplished in these 14 years — the time seems to have just flown by. I’d like to thank our publisher Eliana Barriga, graphic designer Terry Price, web and social media partner Michele Kennedy, all of our trade partners, manufacturers, trade shows, writers and all the people that help to bring you The Retail Observer on a monthly basis.

Happy retailing and thanks for reading,
Moe Lastfogel
​moe@retailobserver.com