#096 "If we're afraid the little guy won't work, where will we buy pillows?" (31/03/2024)

This week, I was minding the shop one day when a female customer came in to buy a pillow. While she was paying, she mentioned that her colleagues at work were talking about how she was worried that the guy at Re Pillow might quit, and she wouldn't know where to buy a pillow later.

First of all, thank you very much for your appreciation. I will take it as a compliment. Being able to say you don't know where to buy it after you've bought it is not easy. But perhaps more people are wondering if Re Pillow Co. will really go bankrupt one day. The Hong Kong market is undeniably facing some changes recently, and doing business is indeed not easy. Some people are not optimistic about the future of Hong Kong retail. I understand everyone's concerns, and perhaps I can briefly write down my thoughts in this journal entry:

First, I think I can continue to do the rest.

Since I started buying a whole roomful of pillows and researching them in 2020 , I've always wanted to continue doing this. I think the world needs people who do things that no one else in the market is doing, who truly think from the user's perspective about how to solve some of life's problems. For example, not being able to buy the right pillow, constantly trying different ones, and then having neck pain the next morning—these things are really annoying.

Everyone has their own troubles and difficulties in life and work, and having to sleep poorly every day is really exhausting. I understand because I've experienced it myself, and it makes me more irritable. Therefore, I want to try to help them and solve their problems. I dare not say that it will definitely work for everyone. It will definitely work , but I will do my best and have a clear conscience.

The same goes for new sheets. Changing sheets involves lifting the thick, heavy mattress, which has always been the routine. But after getting new sheets, you'll find that changing them doesn't really make sense— why lift one of the heaviest things in the house in no time? Do you really have too much strength and nowhere to use it …?

Indeed, I've been working diligently and step by step, and over the past few years, I've received a lot of support and encouragement, which has made me want to continue. I feel this job is very meaningful. That being said, whether I'll be laid off one day isn't solely based on my wishes; the next factor is:

Second, I am also an ordinary person.

I'm not someone who craves wealth. But like everyone else, I have parents, family, and people I care about. I don't want them to worry about me, and I want to provide them with a peaceful life. I don't seek riches; my daily expenses are very low. I just want to spend more time with my parents, go out with friends to play ball or video games on weekends, and have time to be with the people I want to be with—that's all. Reality is both cruel and fair. Even though I might not want to give up, and even though many customers might want me to continue, if I can't make a living, I'll have to close down. Consider it a dream we all had. Business always has its successes and failures; it's very leisurely.

Third, the market is always fair.

Survival of the fittest—I believe in these words. The market is often the fairest thing. If you're not as skilled as others, you'll be eliminated by the market; that's perfectly normal. Do your best. When you're in an advantageous position, don't be overly complacent. When you're in a difficult position, grit your teeth and persevere. Don't complain about "business being hard" or "bad timing," because doing business is always your own choice, and you must take responsibility for it. Find ways to solve problems every day. If you really can't, don't put too much pressure on yourself; let it be.

After finishing writing, I felt like I wrote something rather pessimistic ... I wonder if anyone will misunderstand. I want to reiterate that I do want to continue, but there seems to be some pessimism in the market lately, so I took this opportunity to write about the closure from the perspective of a very small company.