A small business THANK YOU.

If you are reading this blog, you already get it, and we just want to say THANK YOU.  You already get that buying from and supporting small businesses is exceptionally important, and goes to the heart and soul of this country.  When I want to enjoy shopping, it is always the small businesses that make that possible....the originality, the personal touches, the character.  No matter what city, or country for that matter, strolling along a boulevard filled with unique shops, some that I love, some that maybe I don't, but all that are kept alive by the blood and sweat of their owners and the network of co-workers that surrounds them--that is what makes shopping enjoyable.   All of them put my dollars at once to work supporting their families, and those of their employees.   Do I shop at Target?  Do I buy from Amazon?  Sure, of course...I'm busy like everyone else and convenience is a hugely motivating factor.  But would you ever visit a Target, Walmart, or a strip mall on vacation in some cool city?  Nope, not likely, they don't contribute much.   That is the reason that I commit to, and really ask myself each time I shop, can I buy this from a small business?  Because I WANT small businesses to succeed and continue contributing character and charm.  Big business rules now, the Walmarts, Targets in the strip malls, and the Amazon megastore on the web (which oddly enough, is comprised of quite a few small businesses, they are just eclipsed by the big box stores, just like they are in the real world).  These monopoly businesses have gained in size and importance as more and more small businesses close from the difficult economy, both in the brick and mortar venues, AND the online presence. 

So THANK YOU again, for being the type of person who contributes to the success of small businesses.   Because I for one, don't want to live in a country where my only options are strip malls, big box stores, and internet purchases that leave me feeling void....where I amount to a dollar sign in the huge machinary of big business.   The  internet is filled with places to shop, and just like the physical location counterparts, there are mega-stores, and there are small businesses like us, where we know each order, we make an effort to know each customer, and we truly appreciate the art of the entire shopping experience.    

Signed, ME {LV}

Comments

[Bennie Sawrey]

There are actually a lot of options in small businesses. In the grassroots level, businesses can specialize and revolve their vision and processes around a certain aspect. That certain uniqueness can invite people to patronize their products and services. Small businesses also serve as an avenue to introduce new concepts. You are welcome, by the way. :)

[Shanti]

I love a small town boutique, I am always looking for those one of a kind pieces. Miss you so much Melange!! I moved out to Detroit area for love, but I still seek out all the local boutiques wherever I go!! I have this silly little blog where I try and record some of the outfits created with boutique purchases. I recently published a post where I wore a Trina cardigan I scored a few years ago at Melange. Still have many pieces from your boutique that make up my wardrobe :)

http://casualglamour.blogspot.com/2011/12/trina-and-bob.html