The end of the road...

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A lot of you regular bloggers and followers of my websites would probably know that for the past 3 or so years I have been running The Chocolate Crow Trader - an online marketplace for Aussie crafters that all up has been running for about 6 years.

Well.......it is with much regret and sadness that I write this post……

Unfortunately the time has come where, with only a handful of ladies still participating, The Chocolate Crow Trader appears that it may have run it’s natural course…

Numbers have been steadily dwindling over the past 12-18 months, which is totally understandable in the current economic/retail environment. Many girls have left due to the need to return to full time work /increasing family/work commitments. Due to the downturn in retail since the GFC …sales are also fewer than they were earlier on, which also has a downward effect with members .

All of these situations are totally out of my control and I see no “quick fix” until things settle down financially. This has lead me to make the decision (that truthfully I have been putting off for quite some time)…..and in this regard I am afraid to say that that the April Issue will be the the last for TCCT for the time being.

This very difficult decision was only made after a lot of soul-searching and much thought and I am very sorry to see it end this way, however, I am certain that you will all agree that TCCT would seem to have experienced it’s “Hey Day” and it is time for it to bow out gracefully, as it so justfully deserves, ….as I am sure Bev (it’s original founder) would also want.

Who knows…when things pick up again I may resurrect it but for the time being it is the end of the road for now.

I would personally like to thank all of you....the readers, the current and past members and our loyal customers for your support over the past 6 or so years. I will hang onto the mailout list and should we reinstate it…y’all will be the first to know.

So its bye for now to The Chocolate Crow Trader.........I have thouroughly enjoyed my five years as a member including the past 3 as it's principal and hope one day to start it up again when things look a bit brighter on the economic front. I would like to take this opportunity to also say how blessed I am to have made the fabulous friends that I have through my dealings with TCCT and pass on a special thanks to Jackie and Pam who have always been there to offer their support, encouragement and many times donated their time and items for giveaways etc whenever I needed their help...thanks guys xxx


Comments

  1. JackieApril 27, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    Thank You Chris for everything you have done as Principal of TCCT. Any help I gave you was really only a small thing and easy to do for a friend. x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Countin' Crows - ChrisApril 27, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    Thanks J...and a treasured friend you are indeed xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jenny's Place OnlineApril 27, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    Glad to see ...for the time being... It is amazing how quickly the year is passing. Best wishes for the future to everyone involved. Happy crafting, Jenny

    ReplyDelete
  4. simplestitchesApril 27, 2011 at 8:16 PM

    thank you Chris for everything that you have done over the last few years for TCCT.
    I will miss getting my things ready for each months changeover...here's hoping that it will be up and running again very soon, with lots of talented crafters out there.
    All the best for the future...
    cheers Julz

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gettysburg HomesteadApril 27, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    I'm sad to see it go as I even though I'm not Aussie I LOVED popping over and reading. I also enjoyed the FREE patterns from your gracious members. Thanks for everything you did.

    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  6. KarenApril 28, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    Sorry it's closing Chris...you worked so hard on it. xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Countin' Crows - ChrisApril 29, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    Thanks Julie, Mary and Karen for your lovely comments. I am sure that one day in the future..when things pick up a bit in the retail sector we can resurrect the Choccy Crow...so all won't be lost ....xxx

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousMay 1, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    So sad to see TCCT closing her doors Chris, but as you say things have changed, I wonder if the crafting community is getting smaller, I know that I seem to be working more away from home now :o( and I have very little time for my craft, which makes me sad. You did a mighty job so be proud I know Bev is smiling down on you.
    Good luck Chris
    XXXX

    ReplyDelete

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