Today is Small Business Saturday. I traditionally write a Small Business Saturday blog post. But today, my mind can't seem to get into the groove.
And times are hard, here in the Southern Tier of New York State, and elsewhere.
I looked at some of my previous posts, listing where I went to shop, and the voice in my head recited:
Out of business. Out of business. No, not going there - no reason to.
Out of business.
Yes, this jewelry store I mentioned in 2012 is a woman-owned business now but I stopped wearing jewelry about two weeks into being sent home to work.
I didn't worry about Made in USA vs. Made Abroad but Sold by a Local Business, like I had some years.
I did almost none of the traditional Black Friday or Small Business Saturday things. I didn't get up at 5am. I slept in. I went walking. I read. I watched TV. I got ready to put holiday decorations up.
I did feel a little guilty about shopping online at a couple of
chain stores that have a brick and mortar presence here, but they offer
curbside pickup and, I reason, they employ locals. I'm sure going to like those slippers I treated myself to.
Via TV, I got my first look at our local indoor mall since March, which was also the last time I was in there. Several small businesses are located in that mall. I know someone who works in one of them. Hate to say it, but too depressing.
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| Our Mall, 2019 |
Santa is coming to the mall December 4 but it's going to be different (what isn't?) This
year, for social distancing reasons, Santa will sit behind
"snow globe" decorations that "will allow children to interact with Santa
through plexiglass." And, oh yes, you have to make an appointment.
I ended up going to the grand total of one small business today - a (what else?) nursery. I bought a ZZ plant (something I've wanted to own for some time but never got around to it), a self watering pot (for the Vietnamese Coriander we took cuttings from - they have rooted nicely), some potting soil, and two small but fancy poinsettias.
Plants are my source of happiness.
So, this strange year, I am not going to guilt myself. I'm alive. I am not sick. I am who I am, and that is OK.
...we are fans of old classic diners and have the Red Bird in Johnson City and Danny's in Binghamton, I wonderful if they are still open.
ReplyDeleteTom - Danny's is definitely open (but struggling like so many others) - in fact they were offering free Thanksgiving dinners on Thanksgiving afternoon for anyone who was able to stop by. Re the "Red Bird" are you thinking of Red Robin in downtown Johnson City (not to be confused with the chain restaurant)? As far as I know it is open. I rarely venture into downtown JC; sadly, it has seen its better days.
DeleteI usual make my rounds in our local community on small business Saturday, not this year. I went out earlier in month and purchase a few gifts from some mom and pop stores.
ReplyDeleteStay Safe and coffee is on
My mall is the same with Santa, appointments and plexiglass. I looked at the information page, and was shocked. You know those "pictures with Santa?" I never imagined the cheapest would be $25.95! Too bad for all the families out of work due to the virus, and the many, many in my area homeless from the summer's fire! I would guess they don't let you whip out your cell phone and take a photo yourself.
ReplyDeleteI shopped online. I am just getting over a bad allergy attack and figured staying in was a good idea.
ReplyDeleteDo what you have to do. Shopping small business is nice, of course, but sometimes convenience wins. There's a reason the big corporations do so well.
ReplyDeleteI'm not "local" to you (I'm near the OTHER Johnson City), but I'll post this for others to echo. My small business is 100% fine with people wanting to shop virtually. Having persuaded neighbor to restore Internet connection on sunporch (it worked intermittently there, never inside), I even have a PHONE near the computer now! Real customers can get a phone line where they can JUST TALK instead of having to type! Money orders are welcome...and many small businesses have even gone out on the limb and set up ways to process digital payments! Let your fingers do the walking. All purchases will be promptly shipped, and appointments to see and touch merchandise can be made. Non-local traffic is also welcome.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful, Priscilla. Especially being able to talk with someone. It's that personalized service that attracts me to local small businesses. Sadly, it's also the opportunity to browse the aisles and find little treasures. I just went to the website of my favorite local gift shop and it is very attractive - just not the same as being there in person. But that's a small thing, I admit.
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