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December 2009 Edition

What thoughts do a New Year bring.....Happy Holiday and a little history
As the 2010 approaches (already?), it's time for reflection and for some of you brave ones, time to make New Year’s resolutions! You know, the celebration of the new year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon (actually the first visible crescent) after the Vernal Equinox (the first day of Spring). The celebration lasted for eleven days. Our modern celebration are pale in comparison. The Romans continued to observe the new year but it was continually tampered with by various emperors. In order to set the calendar right, the Roman senate, in 153 BC, declared January 1st to be the beginning of the new year. January 1 has been celebrated as a holiday by Western nations for only about the past 400 years. Now, aren’t you glad you know about the history of why and when we celebrate the new year? So, with our New Year just days away, I want wish you all a Happy New Year.

Our men and women in uniform.....
New Years has a habit of dispensing with the old and bringing in the new. And for me, I am very proud of the achievements of our men and women in uniform. We are indeed blessed to have the world's most advanced and most powerful armed forces, and when you look back at the challenges we had in Iraq, it is somewhat comforting to see that while there is still violence there, they have a democratically elected government, and we have a minimal force there. And as far as Afghanistan goes, this is now the 'heart of the battle' -- and it's officially Obama's war. No matter -- we have a fierce enemy there and in Pakistan as well, so our “War on Terror” continues. Some of you might disagree with both of these wars, but my observation is simply this: Better to fight our wars there than on our home soil. 9/11 was such a tragedy -- one we should never forget. So, I pay honor to our men and women in uniform where ever they are.

It’s that special time of year. Santa and his reindeer bring joy and peace to all. And to all a Good Night.

It's the economy stupid......
My business this year included a pioneering trip (for me) to China, which has opened my eyes to a brand new world of opportunity. Talk about an economy on the move…1.4 billion people, red flags, a billion bicycles, 1 billion cell phones, and the largest untapped market on earth. U.S. and International retailers and businesses have recognized the undeveloped retail markets and are tapping the pent up demand for their goods and services. Today, there are over 1000 foreign retailers in China compared to a little over 300 in 2004. Retailers like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, H & M, Forever 21, New Balance, Ralph Lauren, IKEA, and Carrefour are just a few of the iconic brands leading the way. You get the idea…

We have seen little effect of the stimulus bill (have you?) I keep hoping some of it trickles down to my office in Newport Beach. Fat chance! But, the retailers and developers with whom I spoke at the recent New York ICSC show had some spring in their feet. They expressed some optimism for 2010, but think 2011 and 2012 look brighter (before it gets better). Perhaps it was me -- because Linda (my wife) and I came to New York with a positive, uplifted spirit. One thing I learned while I was back there -- attitude is everything. I talk to so many friends and colleagues who really have that "never give up" attitude. We all have a passion for this business and maybe that's the reason we don’t give up....I think so.. Yes, I’ve had my down moments -- like any of you out there. But overall, I feel a real sense of opportunity and positiveness for next year. It's in our American blood.

Give a damn....get involved....
I received so many interesting and personal comments from my October, 2008 EddyLine story about serving on a jury for two weeks. You know, I wasn't a very happy camper when I got that summons..."Oh, my God. Really? Do I have to do this?" But I will tell you this: It changed my life and my entire attitude about our involvement in civic affairs. I don't care whether you're a Republican or Democrat or a member of the Tea Party....all I can pass onto you is this: Get involved. Read the news -- don't shy away from the bad news, because right next to it may be some good news that can change your life, too. If you ever get a chance to serve on a jury -- do it! Don't even think about finding an excuse. It was one of my most rewarding moments in my life. It will be in yours.

Stay in touch with friends, family, and your associates....
Social media? Any of you reading the EddyLine have long been in social media -- staying in touch via the telephone, e-mails, or meeting at conferences. We're a social group – all of us in the retail and shopping center world. We are not the reclusive kind, are we? We didn't need Facebook, Linkedin, or Twitter to stay connected -- but if you're there, great. Our success has been the result of networking and staying connected with friends, business or otherwise. There is nothing more important than friends and family. Each of us only have so much rope we're given....so use your rope wisely. Cherish your family and friends every day. Make every day count.

And smile.....
There is nothing so warm and wonderful as being greeted with a smile. Do you know how you can light up someone's life with just a simple, warm smile? Do you know how you can be uplifting to someone, especially this time of year, when just a friendly smile will wipe away a moment of despair or sadness for your friends or loved ones. You're alive...you're in a great industry....and so thinking, being, and staying positive brings inspiration to others. When I see someone smile at me...it makes me smile. too.

And the last word before I get out of here....it's about family
Growing up in a rural farming community such as Bakersfield, California, in the 1950s and 1960s, Christmas and New Years were always very special in the Eddy household. Frank and Bing were always an earshot away, and the stores and community were filled with holiday decorations. These memories of my family and community are embedded into me -- part of my DNA so to speak. I know, like many of you, the holidays are just warm and bring back special memories of our childhood. So, please enjoy your time with family and friends. Being a part of your Holidays by writing to you is very much a privilege and honor for me, too. So enjoy this time of year. It's a wonderful life. It's a wonderful time. Let's enjoy our holidays and get ready to “go get’em” next year!
 
 


The Eddy Company is one of America's leading specialty retail leasing consultants. For information, please contact Bill Eddy at our Newport Beach office -- 949-640-7475. Or e-mail us at bill@theeddycompany.com or visit our web site -- www.theeddycompany.com