I’m back…

2 November 2022 Michael J. Knell

BRIGHTON, Ontario – Home Goods Online took an unexpected hiatus in mid-October when I tested positive for and was diagnosed with COVID-19. How, where and when I contracted the virus is still something of a mystery to both me and my family physician. Since I am what medical professionals describe as immune-compromised, my encounter with the pandemic was longer and more intense than it is for most people. I am now happy to report life is starting to resume its normal shape.

Since my involuntary furlong was forced upon me, a lot has been happening in our industry and over the next few weeks, this news service is going to play catch-up. This will start with the resumption of our newsletter – the HGO This Week – broadcast schedule next week.

Also, between now and the opening of the Winter 2023 edition of the Las Vegas Market, we will publish the Fall 2022 and Winter 2022 editions of the Merchandiser, our electronic magazine. They’re a little behind schedule, but both will contain news and analysis I’m confident you’ll find insightful and helpful as everyone throughout the industry begins planning for anticipated uncertainties 2023 will bring to the Canadian economy.

We are also planning to debut new episodes of both One-on-One – our series of conversations with leaders from throughout the industry – and Business Cent$, my chats with Albert Marrache about strategies retailers can use to improve their profitability.

The one thing I have learned in recent weeks is the COVID pandemic is every much with us. It no longer occupies top-of-mind awareness but its hasn’t gone away. Until a few weeks ago, I honestly believed the odds of contracting the virus were small. After all, the government has lifted almost all its restrictions and people are going about their lives without masking, frequent handwashing and social distancing. But here I am, recovering slowly from a dose of the pandemic I thought I had successfully avoided.

So, stay tuned as I’m back in the chair and back to work. HGO will resume posting the news over the coming days.