Another great store closes it's doors

I read this article in the Bellingham Herald today and it made me so sad.

Another business closure in Whatcom county not only means loss of employment and the loss of a great little boutique, but also the loss of a uniqueness in our neck of the woods.  Independent retailers are struggling more and more to keep up with "big box stores".  Not being able to compete results in small businesses having to close their doors. 

While initially it just sounds sad and then everyone moves on, in reality it is a much bigger problem than you might think.  So how does a closure of The Paperdoll in Bellingham create a bigger problem?  I'm glad you asked.  Running the risk of sounding like I'm standing on a soap box...let me explain.

• First close your eyes (um...figuratively speaking...you'll need them open to read)

• Imagine driving through your downtown business district.  Visualize the stores that you can remember "just always" being there.  Maybe stores you didn't visit very often but also made you smile as you drove past because you remember going there as a kid.  Or you just remember seeing that same sign for so many years that it brings back the faintest memories of a different season. Of a smaller world where you knew your neighbors and your mom knew the shop owner by name.  The jewelry store, the hardware store, that "little store on the corner" where you found the perfect gift, the bakery, the clothing boutique, the candy shop that sold Carmel apples, the shoe store that still measures your feet and ties your shoes, the restaurant that smells like your grandma's kitchen. Sidewalks bustling with people moving from store to store.

• Now visualize that same street.  Instead of the cute signs, the unique window fronts, and the memories, all you see are buildings boarded up, an occasional sign on a door that when you get closer reads "CLOSED".  Empty sidewalks. 

It paints a grim picture.  I'm not trying to be dramatic or unrealistic.  The reality is that this story is happening to towns and cities all around the US.  The great news is that we can all help solve the problem.  By supporting our local small businesses we can keep their doors open.  We can help them succeed and help keep our towns unique and vibrant. 

Can you tell I am passionate about this?  Shocking, I know.  One way I try to implement this in my life is through the advice from the 3/50 Project.  {You may have noticed a button on the sidebar.}  The gist?  Spend $50 each month supporting a local, independently owned business.  Or spend $10 at 5 locally owned businesses.  Your $50 spent locally will help keep businesses open. Your $50 will save your local economy.  It's crazy, but it works. 

I'm off...for now.  Thanks for making a difference!



*Disclaimer:  I AM NOT a spokesperson for the 3/50 Project, nor do I share any stock in The Paperdoll.  I AM passionate about local business, the local economy, and my fellow business owners who work hard to be a part of their communities.