Dear wonderful customers,
Thank you for all the kindness and support you have shown us over this past year and a half (and some of you, for 47 years!) We quite literally could not have survived without you - and the ways in which you’ve shown up for our stores have often brought us to tears. We hope that we’ve been a source of comfort and joy for you, too.
As I’m sure you’re aware, these are trying times to be a small business. Product shortages, shipping delays, price increases, and a chaotic hiring (and training!) crunch. Despite doing the best we can with offering a living wage and generous benefits, we’re experiencing the same unprecedented turnover that every business or entity across the country is facing. There are a variety of reasons for this - economic, social, existential. This is a tumultuous time, and there is no 3rd PPP loan on the horizon.
Why am I writing this? Because our existing, wonderful staff team is stretched thin. We’re examining all the ways we can care for and support the team that continues to show up, day after day.
This might mean, in the short term, reducing our hours so that we can adequately staff the times we’re open, and our team doesn’t burn out. It might mean closing one day a week. We’re examining and exploring all the options - all of which will hurt our business’ recovery in the short term, but will hopefully allow us to retain our amazing team members in the long run.
How can you help? Continue being kind and patient with our team. Buy our staff a coffee or tea. If we do reduce hours temporarily, please shop with us during our open times, or order online for curbside pick up or buy a gift card. Do your holiday shopping early, and please understand that we may be out of stock of certain items, but have many other amazing products for you.
Thank you for your tremendous support. Thank you for showing up for small, independent retailers. We know we’ll get through this, together.
Emily, Caleb, Michael and Elizabeth