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For many independent retailers, business has been a struggle in the last few years. We are seeing long-time candy companies, confectionary
manufacturers and family businesses close. They are facing a battle for survival as the “big box” retailers refuse to
buy from them......why?
It's because huge chains can order much of their products directly from China; it’s easier, cheaper,
and...of questionable quality. Not only are they
selling inferior products - for less, yes - but those produced in one of
the least-monitored and most hazardous environmental areas of the world.
What happens if we, along with hundreds of other independents close? Then the business we give to these companies that
STILL believe
American manufacturing could remain IN America is gone; we can no longer help to support ANY industry, employers,
our own citizens. It’s a tiny amount
of money a little store like ours can turn around and pump back into the US economy. Is it
maybe enough to save a job? Keep your neighbor from being laid off when another family company is forced to close after
producing wonderful quality items since 1905?
Sometimes I’ve stated how we're just a small potato, up against the giants of today's big box retailers.
One of our customers has
heard
me say that, and has finished my my comment with this: “yes, but many small potatoes can make up an army of spuds”.
An army of spuds.
We COULD change things – if every little shop made the right choices that affect our country – if consumers took the time to
buy from
small businesses – but that takes effort and work. Consumers would have jump the line - buck the trend - stop following each other blindly to
the nearest Walmart. There ARE other places to shop - look around now - while they are still here to see!
Please, consider joining the effort to keep small business alive in our country. To learn more about HOW small business
benefits us ALL - why it's important - and what YOU could do - please visit some of the links below.
You can find out all kinds of great info at www.independentwestand.org, and even find locally owned and operated
businesses
in your area. Next
time you shop, why not support the ones contributing to your community; those who sponsor
Little League
Teams; that arrange a fundraiser for a family struggling after a tragedy or crises; those who keep the choice in your life - so
that you
will have places YOU choose to shop.
Otherwise, in ten years, you might just be another car in the long line of lemmings headed to the five remaining retail "malls"....
all offering the same thing; in control of the pricing and selection. Sadly, if that happens, at that point there will be no options to
go elsewhere. It will be too late.
THANK YOU FOR READING. Your support is gratefully acknowledged
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