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

​The holidays are upon us and I cannot decide if I’m more grateful or thankful for this past year.

By definition:
Grateful (adjective) - warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received.
Thankful (adjective) - feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative.

Ok, they are different words with very similar meanings, so I guess that I am feeling both (even in this Covid era). Let me tell you why I feel this way. The last 13 years in business and personal life have been a whirlwind of ups and downs. Dealing with loss as multiple family members moved on to the great beyond (four loved ones in three years), I experienced the warm support of friends and family during these times. Having children grow up and move out on their own (3) and now having five grandchildren with one more due this month. Thanks to social media, Facebook and LinkedIn has helped bring many old friends and family back into my life.

The Retail Observer has officially gone from “News Rag” to one of the most respected magazines in the industries we cover. It has achieved growth in our readership with over 26,000 subscribers and reaches over 38 countries. The website is now receiving over 30,000 hits a month on average. The magazine has also become the official sponsor or media partner of over 30 shows and events. Affiliations with trade associations, buying groups and our readership are in constant growth and are getting stronger every day. Consumer electronics, furnishings, plumbing and even cabinet manufacturers are calling to get involved with us to offer our readers new products to help grow their companies. The openness of the many manufacturers we deal with to invite us to take behind-the-scenes looks at what they are doing for the future has been amazing. We have grown to have many of our own writers and various Buying Groups and Associations that submit exclusive articles to us, making us one of the best resources in the industry to help our readers thrive in this economy — not just for today, but for tomorrow. I see the future offering even more to be thankful and grateful for. The sky’s the limit. Let us know what you are thankful for. Send an email to letters@retailobserver.com. I look forward to reading your thoughts.

Happy Retailing,
Moe Lastfogel
​moe@retailobserver.com

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

With Thanksgiving soon to be on our doorstep, we pause to consider all we have to be grateful for – there is real power in a thankful heart. We really can’t be thankful without feeling grateful. Genuine gratitude changes us; how we look at life. It changes our attitude.

We are often exposed to a barrage of negativity as we deal with resentments, ingratitude, entitlement, health issues, loss, etc. Gratitude is an awesome tool, an ally to battle these internal/external threats that rob us of our joy. People who live in a negative state rob themselves of a most powerful experience of heartfelt praise and appreciation in their life. Amazing how gratitude eliminates the negativity.

Giving value to others fosters appreciation, which in turn becomes the trans- formative energy of gratitude that changes us on a deep level. Practicing gratitude can be a positive way to find inner peace and contentment. By choosing to be thankful for the wonderful things and people in our daily lives we become healthier and happier. It is a mindful act so simple, yet it brings a lasting happiness and an inner joy to those committed to living the good life.

Think about the people in your life who are loving and kind to you. Who has your back by looking out for you? Who has sacrificed in order to make your life better? Do the people closest to you have your best interest at heart? At the end of the day, we all have those people in our lives who add to our happiness. We should never take for granted what another does, gives and sacrifices in order for us to flourish and to be the best version of ourselves. It takes a team in life to come out a winner in the end.

Living gratefully has its rewards! Give the gift of joy that comes from loving and helping others. That’s the power of gratitude. So, take thanks beyond your Thanksgiving table this year and show your gratitude by doing something selfless today.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Eliana Barriga
​eliana@retailobserver.com