With all the new technology available to us, should we still be carrying paper calendars? Isn’t everyone going digital?

That is an interesting and challenging question that even old Betty has been toying with recently. You are right in that many of us now have iPhones or BlackBerrys that house our calendars. In fact, I have so many pieces of technology that have calendars that I have a hard time settling on which one to use.

Yet, there are still times when I rely on the small printed calendar I received from one of the insurance agents in my church, when I need to know when payday falls or what day of the month the youth choir will sing in the services. Maybe it’s my age or maybe it’s habit, but I still want to see it and hold it in my hands.

Whether or not to carry the 2010 wall calendars is the decision of the hour or if undated perpetual calendars are your “safe” choice for next year, the answer is to be knowledgeable of your customer base. Will Aunt Mae be upset if you don’t have the wall calendar with “Really Woolly,” or will Margaret Ann be shopping elsewhere to find her pocket calendar that fits just right in her well-worn Bible cover? These are things you must consider.

I have decided to cut down on the printed calendars with dates, but have enough in stock for those regulars who count on me to supply their yearly purchase. However, I have also moved in more non-dated journals, memo books and so forth, for the younger soccer moms who really need a place to jot down their grocery list and Bible promise for the day. Sounds like a good plan for me and hopefully you can arrive at one that fits your store and your favorite customers.

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