Looking to the future: We'd like your advice

I'm happy to report that the fourth quarter of 2009 was far and away better for us than the same period in 2008 and that December was the best of month of our year, which is all as it should be, but, thanks to our faithful customers, we're daring to be more optimistic than we've been in two years. Let's hope we're all on the right track economically.

We're always looking at our product offering, the ways we serve our customers and the way we structure our organization accordingly.

I'd be grateful if you'd help us by commenting on a couple of matters. After a little background, I'll be brief so you're not overwhelmed to the point of bailing out.

You may have seen or purchased a piece or two of our McKenzie bedroom group. Made by an Oregon company of sustainable Pacific northwest alder, it features a glazed antique cherry finish, full suspension drawer glides (the drawers extend all the way out of the cabinet so you don't lose your socks in the back of the drawer), multiple configurations of dressers and chests and, most popular of all, generous storage drawers beneath the mattress platform. We've just introduced another series by the same manufacturer. It goes by the name Pacific and features a lighter finish and a different design detail, but the same wood, the same drawer construction and the same bed storage.

The Berkeley bedroom group above is exceedinly well made in Vermont of American maple and cherry, also sustainably harvested. It is offered as shown or with six storage drawers also on full suspension glides. You can see it in more detail at the manufacturer's own website. With the storage drawers it would sell competitively for about 50% more than McKenzie or Pacific.

Here's question 1: Do you find Berkeley attractive aesthetically and/or economically? Why or why not?

Here's question 2: If most stores on Winslow Way were open after 6 pm, would you be more likely to shop them? What extended open hours would you like to see? Do you often shop after 6 pm? If yes, where do you currently shop in the evening?

Please let us know what you think.