Little Patches of Green

                                                                                                                                        

     For sale signs are increasing across small town America.   As nearby cities grow larger, developers begin looking for plots of land to build housing and commercial enterprises.  Suburban areas continue to spawn, with rural areas being eyed up for the future.  People who move to areas with less conveniences end up being divided into two categories. Those who want more, and those who wish things would stay the same.  Who is right?  No one, but it is a reality that land is a finite entity, and once it is built upon, nothing is ever the same.

    I live in a small New England town. Over the years we have seen our share of growth.  Housing continues to go up, even though our school age population is decreasing.  A small nearby airport is increasing in capacity eliminating an entire neighborhood due to an expanded zone.  A movie theatre proposal is in review, and more office space is being approved.  There is talk of building a YMCA at a time when many Y’s across the country are struggling financially, leaving some with no choice but to close.

   Some residents in the area favor growth and view it as a good thing. They profess it will help the tax base, and provided more opportunity for residents especially the elderly and the youth.  I am sure people who crave these amenities will take advantage of their offerings. There is belief that critical social issues can be addressed by cement and mortar.  My concern is that slowly but surely, we are witnessing the gentrification of America.  Cities become larger, suburbs continue to grow, and one is left to wonder what will happen when the space runs out.  How much time do rural areas have left?  Where does it all end?

    As you drive along, take time to notice the little patches of land available for development.  Gas stations, retail, office space, and housing are eating up the available landscape.  One project here and there does not create an impact for many observers, but over time the small city or town is overrun by too many approvals.  I’m not against growth, but all not all growth is beneficial.  I have yet to live in a town where taxes went down because of development.  In fact, some of these people “helping” the community often receive tax breaks, while residents are left picking up the tab.

   I moved to a smaller community by choice.  I don’t understand why those who do so suddenly decide they want more at their doorstep.  Didn’t they consider what the area had available in terms of convenience when they looked for real estate?  Some state they will move out if more isn’t available.  Somehow that is considered a threat to the entire population of the town.  They however, do not speak for myself and many others.  The benefits of space and a slower pace are quietly slipping away.  I want to see little patches of green, and I want to see it where I live. 

Supporting Business in Sandy Hook

     My daughter had to buy a present to attend the birthday party of a classmate.  When I asked what she thought the little girl would like, she came up with a gift that involved creating fashion designs.  When asked where I could purchase this item, my daughter told me she saw it in the toy store in Sandy Hook.   Yes, that Sandy Hook, the town reluctantly known all over the world due to a terrible and tragic event.  So, last Friday, for the second time since that fateful day, I drove to Newtown.

     I didn’t go when the throngs of media and people offering their condolences ascended on the streets of a small intersection.  Having once lived in the area, I knew that the scene would be overwhelming.  Instead I chose to pray, offer a financial donation, and deal with the heartache and disbelief that carries on to this day.  A few weeks later, when the reporters and crowds left town, I took my girls to the place they have been getting their haircut for years, Fun Kuts.   Marci, the owner and her staff are wonderful, caring, and great with kids.  Afterwards, we went to The Toy Tree which is next door.   Even though it was early afternoon, the area seemed eerily quiet.

     Last Friday, I returned to The Toy Tree to purchase the gift, and bought more than I had intended.  It is a wonderful store with many items not found in big box toy stores.  I knew my girls would like what I purchased, and I felt it was a small way to help the owner.  Leaving the store, I noticed that the street wasn’t lined with parked cars as in the past, and once again, that quietness was there.  Much to my dismay, the coffee shop around the corner had closed.  This was another business that I had frequented over the years.  Was I imagining it, or are people staying away?

     When the shooting first happened, swarms of people and media flooded the streets of Newtown.  People and reporters from far and wide blocked the roads and sidewalks. So many individuals expressed publicly their concern in the immediate aftermath, but how many have returned to show support?   The businesses suffered a loss which the state is attempting to make up to them.  What the businesses in Sandy Hook, and town of Newtown on a whole need, is for the residents of surrounding towns to shop in their stores, and eat in their restaurants.  There is no reason to stay away.  Actions speak louder than words.

   This is not a call for the streets to be overwhelmed with visitors, rather a day-to-day flow of traffic that will help these businesses keep their doors open.  The owners dealt with the crowds and visitors in a caring and respectful manner.  They have passed on messages and items to the families, and have remained strong.  Newtown as a whole has handled the tragedy with a spirit of strength, dignity, compassion, and love.   We need to let them know that they have our support, admiration, and a place in our hearts that will never go away.  Your presence will let them know.

The Power of Marketing

     Yesterday I woke up with a terrible migraine.  Anyone who suffers from these knows the feeling of pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and tiredness.  After I got my kids on the bus, I fell asleep on the couch.  When I woke 2 hours later, I still didn’t feel like moving.  It’s like having a late night without any of the fun.  With the remote in reach, I turned on the television.  After the morning news, I rarely watch anything on the tube, so I began channel surfing.  When I landed on QVC, I took a moment to see what they were selling.  The item up for sale was a mattress.  Having just had a bad morning, it immediately caught my interest.

     In 4 easy payments (easy…. really..what does that mean?) adding up to less than $500.00; I could have a memory foam mattress endorsed by a certified chiropractor.  It looked soft and comfortable. It would solve all my sleep issues and never lose its shape.  For a fraction of the cost of a well-known national brand, it could be mine.  Oh did they lure me in.  I was so tempted.  Then I remembered that my current mattress is only 3 years old and was made by a nearby mattress company.

     Years ago I visited my grandmother and her sister, Aunt Mary, for a week.  Aunt Mary loved contests and had been the big winner on more than one occasion.  She wanted to know if I wanted some jewelry she bought from the Home Shopping Network.  It had “real” diamonds, about the size you find on a drill bit, but they were real.  She went on to tell me that the woman on the other end of the phone knew her when she called.  Being elderly, I didn’t have the heart to tell her that the woman knew everyone.  She never spent a lot of money on these items so it was harmless.  What stood out was how these marketers are able to sell, and how good they are at attracting customers.  They know how to appeal to the senses and have a way of making you feel like you need their product.  I give them credit for salesmanship, a skill I never possessed.

     I was never able to sell anything.  Fundraisers for school, the YMCA, girl scouts, and other organizations never made much from my sales.  Candy bars, wrapping paper, cookies, and other items were products I couldn’t promote.  It is an art and a skill that few possess, and many give into.  I can see a sale coming a mile away.  I don’t like the hard sell, and am put off as soon as it starts.  Yesterday, in a moment of weakness, I almost bought a mattress.  Oh, but it was so comfortable, cool, soft, offers support………click went the remote.  I feel better today.  So does my wallet.

Mirror, Mirror, Who is That?

     I don’t like to shop.  Let me rephrase that, I don’t like to shop for me.  I have a hard time finding clothes I like.  Maybe I’m too picky.  Maybe I don’t care.  In reality, I’m a blue jeans girl in a fashionista world.  My idea of looking presentable these days is a newer pair of jeans with a comfortable top.  I appreciate good fashion, and I like watching Project Runway, but the whole ordeal of finding something to wear is exhausting and frustrating.  There are times however, when an occasion arises that forces me into the mall.

     Recently I was invited to a wedding.  Looking in the closet, I realized I hadn’t bought a dressy outfit in about 10 years.  Some still fit, but none seemed suitable enough to wear to a winter event.  So, I eventually decided to hit the mall.  I was determined to find something.  I walked the entire length, went into every store, and eventually landed in Macy’s.  I was surprised to actually find a few dresses to try on given the fact that many were for a much younger woman or, for a much older woman.  Being in that middle age range is like falling into the black hole of apparel.

    I was appreciative that the saleswomen didn’t follow me into the dressing room.  I know what I like, and know if I like how it looks on me.  I hung my selections on the hook, undressed, and turned around.  Maybe it was the glow of the fluorescent light.  Maybe it was the multiple angles in which I was given the opportunity to observe myself.  Maybe it was because I was tired and in bad need of a haircut.  I didn’t recognize the woman staring back at me.  Suddenly I looked so much older than I do in my mirror at home.  Suddenly I looked about 10 pounds overweight.   I looked like a cross between a before picture and a mug shot.  Who was that stranger looking back at me?

    After getting over the initial shock, I found a nice dress and was happy with my purchase.  The next week I got a haircut.  For some reason, it always makes me feel lighter and energized.  The wedding was fun (more in another post) and I had a great time.  Last week I was thinking about the eyes we look out with.  The eyes that make an effort to be happy, smile, and enjoy life as well as deal with hard times.  The eyes that observe all around us and help us make wise decisions.  The eyes that look toward the future, reminisce about the past, and watch generations move along.  Aging of the body is a natural process in which we have no control.  More important is how we feel, how we live, and what we experience.  The mirror doesn’t show us that.

A Wallet Bursting With Rewards Cards

It used to be that when you went out shopping, you needed only a few things.  A driver’s license, keys, some money and one or two credit cards were all that was required.  Now it seems you need to load yourself with an arsenal of cards and coupons before you head out the door.   Rewards are being offered by most major retailers.   Leave the house without these necessary cards, and you will pay more than you have to.  I have had more than one minor panic attic thinking I left that coupon, card, or email notice home.  Usually I find it in my wallet, purse, or pocket before I get to the checkout.  It is getting to the point of being stressful and tiring.  Do we really all need to walk around with this little item we get for free? 

It started with the supermarkets.   You only get the sale price if you have the card.  Of course we all have to eat, so saving money here is a big lure.   For the longest time I got by with just these cards and 2 major credit cards.   I avoided credit cards from stores since I didn’t see the advantage over a major card.  I also paid with cash most of the time.  That was years ago when coupons and extra discounts weren’t given.  I now have 4 cards from various retailers that I frequent.  All give me an extra 5 to 10 percent off my purchases.  If I wanted, I could probably have a dozen more from stores I shop in maybe once or twice a year. 

I have approximately 12 rewards cards.  Ones for supermarkets, craft stores, drug stores, and retailers who I do not have credit cards with.   There is only one reason for this and the stores don’t know what it is.  I save money.  In fact I am making money off of them because I pay everything off when it comes due.  I have not fallen into their little trap of buying something on credit, and then carrying a balance which is accruing interest by the second.  I have also not fallen for the gimmick of shopping in their stores every time they have a sale.  I especially like the ones that offer you “bucks” towards your next purchase.  They give you a time period to use it, and that is usually when there is no sale going on.   If I don’t have the money, or I don’t need the item, I don’t buy it.

My wallet has become so stuffed that I have to carry another little pouch to hold all these cards.   I have to look through too many to find the correct one, and gets even more confusing if I have gift card.  It looks comedic at times.  Retailers have created a game of making people feel like they are losing out if they don’t shop in their stores.  The only stores that don’t seem to have this option are the local independent small businesses.  They have their sales, they welcome you in without a rewards card, and they give you a nice shopping experience.  Maybe the time has come to start shopping in these stores more, and start supporting small business as we are all being encouraged to do.  It just might be the better deal.

Shopping During the Holiday Season

Article first published as Shopping During the Holiday Season on Technorati.

This is the time of year when people flocked to retail stores in search of presents for family, friends, and co-workers.   Tokens of appreciation are bought for individuals who have aided or provided us with service.   Malls and major retailers attract the largest number of shoppers.  This causes the workers in these stores to move at a never ending pace.  What is surprising is how exasperated customers become when they aren’t instantly waited on or checked out. Waiting 5 to 10 minutes suddenly becomes an eternity.   In a world of instant gratification,the retail worker cannot keep up.

I decided to do some shopping on Monday.   I thought this would be better than shopping on the weekend.   Even though it was early,the stores where already crowded.   My first stop was ToysRus.  Luckily I didn’t have to purchase any electronics because this area was bombarded.   They had 4 staff members working exclusively in this section.   Adults were shouting out what video games they needed behind the locked displays.   Who was first and who had been waiting the longest was constantly stated. Of course these people didn’t know if certain games worked on certain systems.   I have to credit the staff with being patient and knowledgeable.

When I got to the checkout, one line was open.   The young woman ringing people up was moving as fast as she could. Questions about price and what the circular promised kept coming up.   When it was my turn I could see that the cashier was already harried and sweating.   It was only 9:45 AM. I told her to slow down.   That she wasn’t going to make it through the day.   She smiled and gave a little laugh.   The register next to her finally opened providing some much needed help.

In the mall, the situation repeatedly played itself out.   The smaller stores weren’t overwhelmed, but Sears, Macy’s, etc. had larger crowds and longer lines.   People were talking out loud on how ridiculous it was that the line was going so slow.   There was little regard for the person who was doing the best they could.   On top of sales, they dealt with returns and questions about stock.   They also have to give the obligatory plea to open an account today and save 20%.

My guess is that these retailers probably staff the stores heavily on the weekend when shoppers are out in force, and then cut back early in the week.   What we have to remember is that many of these workers and enduring long hours for minimal pay.   They are doing their best they under the circumstance and are trying to earn a paycheck.   Once in a blue moon you may encounter someone who is discourteous, but for the most part they are polite and helpful.  Smile when you get to the checkout.   Say something nice and you may get better service.    A thank you and wishing them Happy Holidays might bring a moment of relief.

The Hype of Black Friday

Let me see if I can understand the thrill of shopping on Black Friday.  I can stay up and go shopping for bargains at midnight, or I can get a few hours of sleep, and shop at stores that open anytime between 4:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M.   I will have to stand in line for hours in the dark and cold with a few hundred other people waiting for the doors to open.  Once they do, a mad rush will begin for the 3 televisions or computers that are incredibly discounted.  Of course I won’t get one of those deals, but now that I am in the store, let’s see what else I can find.  This is the hype of Black Friday.  It is a day I don’t shop.

I appreciate a bargain as much as anyone.  I like deals and coupons.  I rarely pay full price for anything, and usually wait for sales.  Sales are going to offered from now until the holidays.  They will continue after the holidays as well.  Why people are willing to camp out days ahead of time is baffling.  To wade among crowds on what should be a restful weekend is surprising.   To force people to work on what once was a day that stores were closed is unfair.  The retailers claim that it is the public that want these hours, but if they weren’t offered, they wouldn’t be outside waiting in those lines.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  It is a day that family and friends gather and share a nice meal.  It is a time to reflect on our blessings.  This has been a hard year for many American families.   For every advertisement for a store sale, there is a story about food pantries that are trying to meet the demand of a Thanksgiving dinner.  The focus of the day should be on what we have, not what we can get.   Health, family, food, a job, and happiness, cannot be taken over by thoughts of materialism.  Let us remember the meaning of the day as it was meant to be.  Gather with group of people, maybe watch the  parade, and have a nice meal together.  Enjoy what money can’t buy and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

The Effect of Big Box Stores on Retail

Article first published as The Effect of Big Box Stores on Retail on Technorati.

Borders book stores have announced that they are going out of business.  Best Buy has decided to reduce the size of their buildings.  Both claim that other businesses and the internet have dramatically curtailed sales.  The economic downturn has also played a significant role in their demise.  What many big box retailers seem to have forgotten is that they did exactly the same to thousands of independent business owners years ago.

I remember when Home Depot was opening in the small cities and suburbs.  The immediate concern was that they would put all the small hardware stores out of business.  They were told not to worry.  That competition would improve business for all, and that what they carried would not affect the small stores.  In a matter of a few years, all the independent hardware stores in the area where out of business.  They could not compete with inventory, price, and store hours. 

Large stores and malls also had an effect on the downtown areas of many towns and cities.  It became more convenient to drive to large stores rather that walk up and down a street to shop.  Small clothing, book, toy, video, and drug stores slowly disappeared from the landscape.  Instead the country has become more and more generic in retail choices.

The loss of these large stores has left a void in many cities and towns.   Huge buildings sit vacant for years with signs advertising leasing opportunities.  Given the current economic climate, the small store owner cannot start up a business as easily before retail was dominated by big business.  The small store knew their customers, employed a steady group of workers, and provided a level of service that went unmatched.

The public is upset to see the demise of Borders.  There is a feeling that literacy in America has suffered a blow.  There may some truth in the sentiment, but wouldn’t it be nice if small stores could make a comeback. It would improve the economy and the retail experience many of us miss.