Time crunch. We�re all facing it. Vendors are under pressure to bring product to market. You�re in a crunch to meet a time-constrained

consumer�s needs. And, you�re likely doing it with less staff and more responsibility than ever.

Many of you at International Vision Expo East told me the pressure can get pretty intense. Do it better, but do it for less. Offer the options, but do it faster.

You�re time constrained, and consumers are too. As one National Retail Federation (NRF) executive put it, today�s currency isn�t just money. It�s time.

Maybe that�s why the slow-it-down movement is taking hold in Europe and is just beginning to be seen here. People are making choices, deciding what�s most important, and dedicating more time to those activities that merit it.

As reported by DDI Online, it all started with the Slow Food organization that began in Italy. Next came a Slow City movement, with an emphasis on open spaces and sense of community combined with restrictions on everything from zoning to traffic.

Though still limited mostly to Europe, the latest slow, according to DDI, is at retail. �Slow Retailers emphasize human contact and customer service, have interiors that use natural and handcrafted materials, and create comfortable, relaxing places for people to spend time. Merchandise is often unique and supports indigenous fabricators and artisans.�

Though we�re just beginning to see that in the U.S., it definitely bodes well for categories like optical. And, so does one other emerging trend�growing interest in independents and businesses that look and feel like them by offering better service and specialized, localized product. That�s why big Berthas like Target and Wal-Mart are moving purchasing to the regional level. To respond to local wants and needs. And, simply put, to look more like most of you!

Stephanie K. De Long

Editor-in-Chief