You know, this is a letter I have thought about writing for a long time. However, my plan was to write it someday after I close my business. No, I am not closing or quitting, but it is time for the letter. It has been on my mind and in my heart for a long time. I don’t intend to offend anyone, but hear me out and think about it.

Recently I read disturbing (to me) news in your paper concerning some downtown Palmer businesses closing. To many of our Valley folks it is not so unusual to hear about a local business saying good-bye, seeing an empty space where there was once a bustling, busy and happy shop.

The loyal shoppers to these businesses really miss them when they’re gone. The ones who never entered to even check them out have no idea what they really missed. They are the ones who think it is too expensive to shop at home, just like the “grass is always greener on the other side.” They are the ones who want to use small businesses to help their fundraisers, but where was their giving? Most small businesses are willing to help with community events. That’s what makes us a friendly small community we all love and are proud to be a part of. As a business owner, it is a pleasure to give back to the loyal customers in some way when there is a need. They are the ones who listen to the talk show host suggesting they go to the local stores and try out or look at or try on the merchandise to get an idea of the product — but then go home, sit down at the computer and do the buying to save a dollar. Then there are the ones who fail to keep silent while they’re in the small business about how they can go to a box-type store and get an item cheaper.

Certainly there is some truth in that, but what about the rest of the story? Friendly customer service, personal knowledge about a product, special orders and follow through — is that not worth something? Can we all own a factory to make such quantity of items to serve the whole nation or world? We’re here to serve our neighbors and, like them, try to make a living too. Enough about thinking a small business owner is rich because one sees a lot of inventory to choose from. Is it free? No. Does it get damaged by shoppers or stolen by thieves? Yes. Does it please everyone all of the time? No.

There was a time when most Alaska residents used catalogs to order because that was all they had unless they were fortunate to travel Outside and could personally shop in a store. How happy their family and friends back home were when they returned with packages of gifts and necessities. In fact, the pioneers of many states experienced that in their early days. Our nation has been built by small businesses. Think how happy the early settlers must have been to have their own general store; no more waiting for weeks for something or hoping it made it or missing out on the newest trend.

I’m not saying we should not use the Internet, order from a catalog, shop for bargains or compare merchandise. But I am saying share. Share some dollars with your small business shops too. They always have bargains, but also have one-of-a-kind items. Buy a bargain, save a dollar, but what about buying something else there too? They stand behind their products and make things right, you are not just a number. The shopper is welcomed and remembered upon return. The shopper helps make the business a success, and most small businesses are not there just for a one-time buy.

They need you and your family and friends to return and make them successful. Growing with families is a rewarding part of a small business. Small businesses also experience the same type of economic setbacks as the consumer. When times are tough for the people shopping, imagine what a time the businessperson has when he or she shops for the people, always looking for good buys to pass on or something that will make everyone happy. It has always been said that more competition in business is good for the consumer and the economy. Maybe it is if we can send a neighbor next door to shop and keep the dollar in our community, but not if they are taking their dollars so far away and not coming back.  

A comment another businessperson and I made together one day was “they’re gonna miss us when we’re gone.”

I recently read a line that I will end with (sorry I do not know the author, but I applaud the thought): “May you always have love to share, health to spare, and friends that care.”

Diane Tresham, Arctic Rose Fine Fashions & Bridal Boutique, serving the valley and Alaska since 1984.