Wholesale Report from Delhi - Ancient Wisdom - Giftware and Aromatherapy Supplier

Greetings from Spain (again).

I keep rescheduling my flight to Indonesia, every week they announce the latest restrictions and every week it is extended so my visa is not valid for entry.

But this week the news from YouTubers on the spot is that the airports have been told to make ready the international terminals.. so maybe there will be a gradual reopening.

Last week I was telling you about how the cost of shipping goods is still sky high, and that I suspect a bit of unhealthy competition.. I did a bit of research and discovered some disturbing info.. You can read about it here.

Tomas (The AW marketing wizard) has been here - officially on holiday but inevitably getting involved in the Spain distribution center (AW Artisan) and of course the products that are in development here.
And when not doing that.. checking out the best gift shops to see any good ideas and developing markets that we might not be aware of..

Last week I was also telling you about the apparent opening up of a bottleneck in supply of the shipping containers.. Ringo (Indonesia) loaded two in one night, Coco (China) four.. of course these are all much delayed containers and will only reach us when we are well into the Christmas season. Everyday I check the stock levels in our warehouses, hoping to see increases, but we seem to be almost fighting a losing battle. Despite lots of open purchase orders, lots of new products on the way and under development - lots more AW people working in procurement and development than ever before we are fighting to keep goods flowing smoothly.

We are not the only ones I'm sure..Brexit, supply issues and the pandemic has disrupted many industries. - even (I am told) IKEA has big gaps in displays.

I mentioned before cash is no longer king, stock is king. These days I check the stock levels more than the bank balance. We are entering a strange new world.

There was the Trade Show in Birmingham last week, Bryant from the purchasing department made a flying visit to see if he could find anything interesting, especially British manufacturers we could work with, but to no avail. I understand the show was a shadow of it's former self. Sadly.

In Delhi this week is also a tradeshow, and Mr Chatterjee (our man in India) went along to see.. but I think the same story. However, he went to visit some of our suppliers around Delhi and was able to forward me some new product designs.

Mr Chatterjee at the Delhi registration desk.

Normally it is teaming with people, buyers from all over the world. They have entertainment on arrival, luxury lounges and fashion shows.. 20 plus halls.

Now, Mr Chatterjee told me just one hall - nothing happening and no foreign buyers. Very sad.

Instead, he made a long-delayed trip to the small city of Panipat to the north of Deli - it is a textile town and home to rug makers and bedspread artisans. Maybe something will come of this..

He excitedly told me we have to visit that place together.. Yes - I wish.. but one day for sure.

Anyway.. it's getting busy. Now is the time to plan for Christmas.. and we have some great deals for you.

Take care - remember to be kind to someone.

David