the forum
To respond to the unanswered questions below, or to ask a reader's advice, simply e mail:
oln.editorial@william-reed.co.uk
Q Are there any biodynamic principles that could assist me
in the running of my shop?
A It is, frankly, hard to see what benefit manure, cow horns and c amomile will create. Perhaps keep the horn handy to use as a ceremonial bugle
to be played in celebration whenever a customer has been daft enough to be taken in by the spurious claims on the back label of a biodynamic wine.
Chris, Cheshire
A You could adopt some of the principles of eurhythmy while dealing with customers - communicating with expansive arm movements and a mixture of different vocal tones, while wearing a loose garment. Rudolf Steiner encouraged it and he was right about a lot of things!
Wendy, Oxford
Q Is it unprofessional for someone who works in a wine shop to wear perfume?
A It's all a question of degree. If you're not constantly doing tastings I'm sure customers appreciate a fragrant member of staff. What's
unprofessional is when someone asks you to appreciate the lychee aromas of a Gew ürztraminer they've just offered you and all you can detect is Joop.
Marie, Tenterden
A I wear after shave all the time in
my shop. It disguises the aroma
of mould.
BR, Finchley
A This is a particular bug bear of mine, not just in wine shops but any confined work space. Why inflict your chosen fragrance on
people who don't have a choice
Wine shops should smell of wood, alcohol fumes
and wine - nothing else.
Brian, London
Q In Lewes, East Sussex, retailers have launched a Lewes pound which can be used as a voucher in their shops. Do schemes like this really engender consumer loyalty
and extra sales?
Sam, Havant
A Is it worth joining my local Pubwatch?
Mark, Notts