· By Emily Drobnock
Musings of a Shop Girl in the New Year
This past year, major retailers have announced bankruptcy. Saks Fifth Avenue, Forever 21, and among many others, but recently, the one I can’t stop thinking about is… Francesca’s. When we opened in 2014, Francesca’s wasn’t at the Hershey Outlets yet, and we were different enough from Claire’s I didn’t give it much thought. When I heard Francesca’s was moving in, of course, I was a little nervous… surely, a big box could beat my prices, the quantity they stocked, yada yada yada…
What does the future hold for small business, if the big guys can’t make it? It’s no secret the last few years have been challenging. In your neighborhood, I’m sure you see changes. That restaurant is empty. The cute shop where you bought your bff’s birthday gift is gone. In a post-Covid world, the small business community that thrived through closures & reopenings doesn’t seem as vibrant.
The world is heavy right now, in so many ways. Why leave the house when the online monopoly can deliver your shampoo between 4-8am? Among the countless things that have your attention, I’m just a girl reminding you that we’re here for you, when you need us, and kindly ask that you consider shopping small when online shopping is as smooth as butter. I know you have to drive and park or walk to us, but your purchase makes a difference to us, and small business everywhere - I know it does!
Stay hopeful, stay warm, and stay sparkly
