As we approach the end of 2023, I want to take a moment as the Managing Director of Total Cards to reflect on a year that has been full of growth, new challenges, big achievements, and some tough times.
It's been a rollercoaster, but as the holiday season is upon us, it's a good time to look back at what we've achieved and the hurdles we've overcome.
This year marked our 7th anniversary – a big milestone for us at Total Cards. We've seen our customer base grow, and our team has expanded too, welcoming new members and even celebrating the joy of new babies within our Total Cards family. It's been incredible to see our community grow in this way.
A big achievement this year was preparing our new website. This wasn't just a small update; it was a major step forward in making our site better for our customers. With easier navigation, better search options, and a smoother checkout process, we've made shopping with us more enjoyable and easier than ever. It's a whole new platform and completely new systems which we've seen insane improvements immediately.
We also got out into the community, attending comic cons, which let us meet many of you face-to-face. It's been fantastic to connect with our customers in person, not just online. These events have been a great way to really understand what you love and how we can serve you better.
Our Gaming Centre has continued to be a buzzing hub in the North East, hosting all sorts of events and gatherings. It's become a place where gamers of all sorts come together, and we're proud of creating such a welcoming space.
However, 2023 wasn't without its challenges. We faced two serious break-ins this year, which resulted in the loss of a lot of stock – worth over a million pounds. These weren't just financial losses; they hit us hard emotionally too. The delay in getting our insurance payout has been tough, but we've stayed strong, thanks to the support from our team and customers.
In response to these break-ins, we've really stepped up our security. We know how important it is to keep our place safe, not just for our stock but for our customers too. We've put in better security systems, to make sure this kind of thing doesn't happen again. These challenges have taught us a lot, and we've come out stronger and more prepared.
As the year ends, I'm truly thankful for all the support from our customers. Your excitement about what we do drives us to keep getting better and trying new things.
Looking ahead to 2024, we've got some exciting plans and projects lined up. We're also about to give our website a new look, which we can't wait to show you in the next few weeks.
We're giving our team a well-deserved break over the holidays, so we'll be closed till after the new year. It's important to us that they get to spend quality time with their families and friends.
Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who's been part of our journey this year. Whether you've visited our Gaming Centre, shopped on our website, or joined us at an event, your support means the world to us.
Here's to a fantastic 2023 and to an even more exciting 2024! Wishing you all a happy holiday season and a great new year!
Adrian
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