Week ten already imagine, doesn't time just fly by...
Well this week brought the 5 remaining contestants to Applebys where they were asked to bring all their creative and design talents to the fore by developing a concept and designing a direct mail gift for 500 of their clients with the direct result of increased footfall to the store.
The main thing being watched every week is how much they can think outside the box and the brand of the client is all important so I have to say I was really disappointed and frustrated watching this week's episode - there was nothing too "outside the box" suggested or even entertained.
Shane and Orla may as well have been in two different cities they worked so much on their own and while that can be admirable and was something I was yelling at the TV for in other weeks when Sales Skills were being tested and 15 people were going door to door all together, on this particular task team work was far more important, as Jackie said "two heads are better than one".
On the other team, Stuart took the lead, I apologise in advance Stuart if you ever read this blogpost but MY GOD - his face appears on the TV and I just want to cringe, its like watching a cheesy car salesman - when they were presenting to the client he interrupted I don't know how many times and after the last instance where he lead the presentation thank GOD Brenda and Nicky knew better than to let him lead, he just doesn't have the skill to present to Joe Appleby and his team!
Now rant over, the idea of a Christmas decoration was Shane and Orla's - nothing too different about this really, a nice decoration but it's been done and it didn't impress Applebys either. The photo album was much more in keeping with the theme and the brand and had it contained the frame as originally intended it would have been just "outstandable" to quote Nicky, how much it would have increased footfall is debatable though and I think they won by the skin of their teeth. I have to say though Bill's idea of adding the real diamond to one decoration and fake to all the others would no doubt have increased footfall to the shop and was impressive!
The real twist came at the end of the show when Shane and Orla sat before Bill, I don't think there was any doubt in anyone's mind that Orla would have been fired had Shane just kept his mouth shut but he started rambling on about missing his Fiance and being sure he wouldn't win and basically he resigned. A silly move in my opinion because Shane was definitely good enough to be in the final and I still think he could have won! I think at this stage its either Brenda or Nicky to win...
What do you think?
PS:On another note I came across this blog last week and its just so funny - have a look - http://redlemonade.blogspot.com/2008/11/diary-of-secretary.html