Shop Local, Shop Lawrence

by Sophia Misle, photos by Steven Hertzog

This holiday season, local Lawrence businesses are hoping for a comeback after a difficult year during the COVID19 pandemic. #ShopLocalLawrence

We all love a good comeback story, right? There is a part of us that wants to root for the underdog, whether it was for the Chicago Cubs to win the World Series for the first time in 108 years in 2016 (still, go Royals!) or the Karate Kid to defeat his bullies. Now, it’s time for a new comeback story, that of local Lawrence businesses this holiday season.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, local businesses in Lawrence suffered or closed because of the impact of shutdowns and stay-at-home orders, loss of revenue, supply-chain issues, availability of government aid and more.

However, the pandemic also opened some doors of opportunity. Sally Zogry, executive director, Downtown Lawrence Inc., says at least 21 new businesses have opened downtown since January 2020. “It’s been really, really trying obviously over the last year and a half, and things are not back to normal yet,” Zogry says. “They are better, which is very encouraging, but we still have a lot of challenges.”

Although stay-at-home orders and mandated shutdowns are not as prevalent now as they were this time last year, there are still supply-chain and logistics issues that are not going anywhere anytime soon, Zogry explains. Imported items may not be able to make their way through customs, and in some cases, there simply may be a shortage of supply. The United States Postal Service is also under a great deal of stress, especially during this holiday season. Shipments may take longer because of the high volume of packages being shipped. “All of that trickles down to the individual customer,” Zogry adds.

Shopping locally ensures there will not be any shipping challenges. Many stores offer shipping via their websites or by phone, but many of these businesses offer free curbside pickup or even local delivery. Zogry says supply-chain issues have caused merchandise to be limited at big-box stores. This year, there are fewer options of holiday accessories, décor and more than in previous years. However, local businesses often have different supply chains and will be able to provide unique gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Weaver’s has been no stranger to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The independently owned department store is the only retailer in Lawrence to carry Pendleton Originals. Pendleton is a family-owned company established in 1863 that is proud to have been weaving worldclass woolens in its two Pacific Northwest mills for more than 150 years; but during the pandemic, its mills had to close for 88 days. Luckily, Weaver’s received its shipment of Pendleton products at least two months ahead of the anticipated ship date, just in time for the holidays. “These supply-chain issues are among the most significant that we’ve ever seen,” says Brady Flannery, president of Weaver’s.

Flannery says even with all the challenges the pandemic presented, Weaver’s is going above and beyond to give customers the ultimate shopping experience this holiday season. Weaver’s is offering free in-town delivery and curbside pickup, as well as free gift wrap with any purchase. “We’re going to double down on what we do best, which is catering to individual customer needs and providing the best level of service that they can find anywhere,” Flannery explains. Local businesses are run by people like your neighbor or the person next to you in line at the grocery store. These people have to support their families as well as their employees, janitorial staff, vendors and more.

Sally Zogry, Executive Director of Down Lawrence, Inc.

“It’s just a ripple effect,” Zogry says. “You can see you’re supporting one business and all of the people that touches as you move further and further out.” Fally Afani, director of communications for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, described how special Lawrence is because of how community-oriented it is when she was a guest on the Lawrence Business Magazine Radio Show (tune in on Thursdays on FM 101.7 and AM 1320 KLWN). “Everyone from the Chamber, city government, other businesses, Lawrence Restaurant Association, everybody, they all pitched in [during the pandemic] to make sure that nobody had to close their doors, and that made a world of a difference,” Afani said. She and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce have put together the #ShopLocalLawrence campaign to encourage people to shop local this holiday season. When deciding where to spend hard-earned dollars on gifts for loved ones this holiday season, be sure to #ShopLocalLawrence. Individuals who use the hashtag will be entered to win a $50 gift card from a member business. “All we ask from the community is an opportunity to earn their business,” Flannery said on the show. “We’ve never taken our customers’ loyalty for granted.” Although the pandemic has created many challenges for businesses in downtown Lawrence, Flannery and the Weaver’s team are ready for a comeback season. “We’re ready for the rebound,” Flannery says. “We’re ready to come back and rebuild better than ever.” p