A Reminder to Shop Local…

I admit it – it took an email announcing savings of more than 50% to get me to check out another store closing in Mesa. When I went in there, it actually pained me to seek out bargains and see what sort of sweet deals I could swing – because at the same time, going away was one of the swankiest storefronts facing Main Street in downtown Mesa (and one of the first places I popped in when I hosted tours of the area). So, sadly this Friday will mark the closing of another locally-owned and independent business, the M & Co Papery. You can read more about it here: http://domesticbliss-domesticbliss.blogspot.com/ While I picked out my treasures and made my way to the counter to checkout, I talked to one of the owners of another independent business in the area and he reminded me that these things are real and happening. Independents are seeing a sales slump of more than 70% – just think about that, more than half of your relied-upon business is gone. And, yes, I realize this is just another sad and sorry state of a bottomed-out economy, but as a gal that spends her waking hours talking tourism, it’s a reminder for us all to seek out the uniqueness of shopping again. And, for some of us – our situations haven’t changed and spending goes on as usual. So, consider this a plea if you are one of the lucky ones still shopping and seeking, now is the time to get bargains from some incredible boutiques.
 So, if you haven’t yet visited downtown Mesa – check it out tomorrow, the next day, this weekend or even later this month. The point is to take time and check it out – you won’t be sorry. The businesses down here need you – not because it’s summer, because “it’s the economy stupid”! If you yearn for something unique, an item that you can covet and claim all your own, you’ll find it here. Besides, who wants to walk into a soiree carrying a handbag from Target or Forever 21 only to see three others in the room like it. It’s time to take back originality and own it – be different, shop local! Trust me, you can afford it.