 Yesterday I read a Forbes article on how many retail businesses will fail by 2025 as a result of our current situation. The numbers, my friends, are staggering. And it is not because they aren’t trying; it is because the landscape has changed so dramatically and so swiftly forcing consumers into online-everything. It’s not realistic to tell you not to shop on Amazon, peruse the aisles of Target, or long for the goods at Hobby Lobby. I too shop in all of those places and I would be lying if I said I didn’t have a Starbucks in my hand while I did it. But, if there is one thing this last month has taught me is that I can probably live without all of those…except Amazon, because toilet paper. To top it all off, another article indicated that the landscape of shopping would be mainly changed by values. Values both with what retailers offer and what consumers put value in, specifically what those retailers stand for and exemplify. It quickly made me realize that we, RIGHT NOW, have the option to choose that. These are the questions that ran through my head… Do we choose convenience over quality? Do we support our neighbor over a CEO? Do we value the hard work of others over the underpaid work of many? Do we support businesses that support our community? Do we cheer each other on or tear each other down? Do we take a bit longer to drive to a small shop or rush through a big box store? Do we support creativity or expect it to be provided for free?  I don’t need to tell you what I am currently doing differently or what I plan to do when the new normal hits because while our values may be similar, they are not identical. We each are individuals, with preferences of our own, and that’s a good thing. What I would like to do is to challenge you to envision the landscape you want to see the new normal be. Mine includes a walkable downtown lined with little shops, quaint coffee spaces with local roasters, and owners that recognize me and maybe even know my name. Does it feel a little Hallmark movie? Yes! And I am totally ok with that, and even more ok with supporting that vision in the here and now so that later I can live it. Keep choosing for those values today my friends, tomorrow depends on it. Stay…In The Moment,  Comments are closed.
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AuthorJennifer Kalista is the face behind In The Moment Restorations offering everything from the likes of design services and paint color recommendations, to custom furniture restoration and handpicked home decor, lifestyle goods, apparel and more. Archives
December 2022
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