Shop Local!

By Jen Schwartz, Briars & Brambles Books, Windham

Mountain views, quiet roads and lush countryside vistas make the small towns and villages located in the Catskills an ideal place to explore by car, foot, or bike this summer. While each town has its own unique character, they all share an important feature: small retail businesses. These local stores, which literally sell everything from A-Z, are the heart of these towns. Shopping locally matters.

Spring in the Catskills is known as “mud season” and, because tourism slows, it is a difficult one for small businesses. One might suggest curtailing operating hours, and in fact many stores/ restaurants do modify their hours. However, many small businesses, my own included, choose to keep regular hours. Our decision to do is two-fold. First, if a business truly wants to serve the “local community” it needs to be open for full-time residents. Second, remaining open means businesses can retain staff who depend on a regular, consistent paycheck. When you choose to shop locally there are additional ripple effects. Shopping locally enables small businesses to: help support organizations (local schools, VFWs, EMS, and little league teams), participate in Career Fairs to educate students about potential career opportunities, create “hands on, small business internship positions, keep storefronts leased and vibrant, and attract other small businesses to the town/village. Many businesses offer some type of rewards program, for example offering a free sandwich or cup of coffee with 10th purchase or giving 10% off after a spending a certain amount. While these gestures may seem insignificant, they are genuinely meant to convey how grateful small businesses are for your patronage. Quite simply without your support, these businesses and towns would not be able to survive.

Truly A-Z and everything in between. This summer, keep track of what item you purchase from what town and store. THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING LOCALLY.

Looking for a good read? Visit Briars & Brambles Books at the corner of Route 296 and South Street in Windham—Jen or another member of her knowledgeable staff will help you pick out your next book.