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It was just impossible to name this blog because of all the 'territory' it covers. I considered 'Sad News'; 'The Reality of Retail'; 'Come on People!'; 'Walmart World'; 'I Pledge...'; 'What's it Worth?'.
Let's break all these titles down... first, the 'Sad News' is another one of my favorite shops is closing. The sweet florist/gifts/home accessories shop 'Occasions' is closing its retail store. I have no idea why they are closing, but my guess is the economy got the better of them. This makes me sad for many reasons. 1) I shopped there. 2) The cute little gal who owns it is a nice person with a flair for floral arrangements and decorating. 3) It's another local owned business that is closing its doors. Ah....there it is - another local owned business closing. Did people not know about Occasions? Did people not find the charm inside like I did? Whatever the reason, they are closing. 40-60% off of merchandise - go ahead - swoop in and buy up those bargains now, because down the road your choice of shopping will be Walmart, Target, and other big box (small on service) stores.
So, now on the to 'The Reality of Retail'. In my mind, retail is the good twin and Internet shopping is the evil twin. (Don't shut me out until you hear my whole soap box diatribe.) I understand the necessity of Internet shopping - you've lost your drivers license, you've got a broken right leg and can't operate your car, you live 200 miles from the nearest town, the particular item you want needs to be wrapped in a brown paper bag before leaving the store,
or let's make it simple - you just can't find the specific item (or 'pacific' item as I hear it called).
Things on the Internet are cheaper. Cheaper prices and a lot of times cheaper quality. Do you ever look to see if your purchase is being shipped from overseas? Many are. When you buy a widget on the Internet, do you later have to call the 800# to ask questions about it? Or maybe you bring your widget into a local store and ask them to explain it to you. Local retail stores have a purpose other than selling merchandise. They provide services to consumers - or if they are a good retail store they should provide services. They direct you to the product you want, they answer questions, they demonstrate, they are friendly and helpful. That's what I look for in a retail store and that's what I strive to provide in my own store. Alas, answering questions, demonstrating use of a product, (and smiling all the while) won't pay the rent. People need to patronize the local retail shops. Which brings me to 'Come on People!'.... If you're reading this blog chances are you are already a beader (or blogger). Come on people! I know not every bead store will have everything you want - that's what makes it fun! It's the hunt! It's the quest! It's the camaraderie with your beader friends traveling from bead store to bead store! So come on people - before you log on to FMG looking for a deal - come in. touch. design. find your treasure without waiting for a package in the mail.
I think I'll consolidate 'Walmart World', 'I Pledge...', and 'What's it Worth' into one simple thought. Small business is the life blood of the economy. Is it worth the small savings to buy from the mega stores? There is a small town in Missouri called Kennett. A few years ago they had an adorable town square with shops and eateries. That's all gone. Walmart moved in. Yeah - they created jobs, mainly minimum wage - but at what cost? The mom and pop shops closed. Now the town is as dirty and ugly as you can imagine. My Pledge... is plagiarized from an Internet video I watched. In this video celebrities make pledges to make themselves better people, make their neighborhoods clean and safe, etc. They pledge to make themselves better, which will in turn make our nation greater. There is a web site http://usaservice.org/. where you can log in and find a local event or community organization that needs help. Unfortunately - or fortunately - there was nothing within 50 miles of my home that was listed as needing help.
So, I'll start without the use of a website, I pledge to do something to support the local economy more than I did yesterday. Currently, we buy our groceries at Fareway. We buy our dog food, and a host of other household goods at Theisens. Our small electrical appliances get parts and repairs at Stalker Electric. Home Appliance is the place to look for larger appliances and TVs. My used paperbacks come and go from Basically Books. Hard-cover mysteries can be found at Mystery Cat Books (along with great gift items). I have no qualms about buying 2nd hand - isn't that the best way to re-use and re-cycle? Try Attic Treasures, Curtain Call, Stuff! For art and gifts, there are several great local places like Campbell Steele Gallery. I pledge to support locally owned shops more today than I did yesterday. How about you? What is your pledge? Please share it.