“Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.” – Albert Einstein

Sounds like sensible advice, but how do you know when things are as simple as they should be? Especially when it comes to my work, I usually start with a simple plan, but add in a generous dose of enthusiasm and things get complicated pretty quickly. My product line in 2005 included lip balm, sugar scrub, and bath salts. Now it has expanded to include moisturizers, bath gels, shaving soaps, fragrances, facial cleanser…have I forgotten anything? The handful of flavors and fragrances has become dozens and dozens. Whew!

The truth is, some of these products are popular and some…aren’t. So to make things as “simple as possible” I’ll be discontinuing several products over the next few months. I’ve been putting this off for a while now, but after I read Tony Hsieh’s book “Delivering Happiness” (I’ve written a few times about what I’ve learned) I realized I couldn’t put it off anymore.

One of the core values at Zappos is “Embrace and drive change.” In the book Hsieh says, “We must all learn not only not to fear change, but to embrace it enthusiastically and, perhaps even more important, encourage and drive it. We must always plan for and be prepared for constant change.” I wish this was easier for me, but I know that there are people who will be disappointed by the choices I’m making. And I don’t want to upset people! Ultimately I know that focusing energy and time on products that don’t sell is taking away from the products that most of you enjoy. I want to have more time to expand the options for the most popular products. I hope that you’ll stick around to see the new things in store!

The first items we’ll be discontinuing are some of our men’s products: shaving sets, shower gels, and lotions in Spiced Orange. They’re now 25% off, and limited to quantities in stock. Order within the next week for Dad gifts to be delivered by Father’s Day.

I want you to know that it’s difficult to make these choices, and that I’m definitely keeping your opinions in mind. I really do care what you think. Are there any products that you can’t live without? Please share your thoughts!