I’m sure you’ve seen the news that protests are happening in many places in America right now. Folks are disillusioned with the way things are being done in business, in politics, and in general. Julia and I aren’t able to buy the corporate or political favors that could bring about a change, so we do what we can in other ways. We run our business by doing the opposite of what any normal business would do and we vote with our pocketbooks.
Our store is a reflection of Julia and I. It’s a little laid back, eclectic, and more than a bit artsy. It’s the exact opposite of a chain store full of demotivated employees working in what is essentially a huge warehouse. There is a lack of corporate number crunchers and middle management. There are no gravity-defying markups just so we can have 50% off sales or rush to sacrifice quality in the name of profits. No CEO’s making millions just for quitting….I could go on, but I think you are getting the point.
Our store is a reaction to the way we see business being done in a lot of the world and honestly, we don’t like what we’ve seen. Instead of global, we are local, carrying over a dozen NC-based artisans. Instead of surly teenage cashiers, you get the store owners, that have a serious interest in your satisfaction. Instead of importing everything we sell from overseas, we make most everything right here in the store. Instead of cold and impersonal surroundings, you get a pretty decent idea of what our own house is like- with funky music, cool art, lots of natural colors, and even an untidy spot here and there!
We are the kind of folks that do not shop at big box stores unless we have to. Julia and I have run a store WE would actually go visit. Even our store shops local! We purchase items from NC businesses for resale in the store. We use local businesses to print our advertising. We support local non-profit organizations by sponsoring events. We even make a point to order lunch from local owned restaurants rather than big McFood chains.
As the holidays approach, gift giving (and receiving!) is on the minds of almost everyone. This year there are several ways you can make a difference to people right here in town as you shop.
- Purchase something made locally to give as a gift this year.
- Shop at a local owned and operated store, there are many in town to choose from!
- Support local charities and causes. Small, local non-profits are better at getting your gifts directly to the folks that need help.
- Think global, act local. Don’t just complain, DO something nice for someone, right now. Even a smile can change someone’s entire day.
