How many of you go to your local hardware store before going to Home Depot for your light bulbs?  Do you order flowers from the local florist before calling 1.800.flowers?  When was the last time you went to the  local butcher before heading to Kroger for your cut of meat?  Did you pick up your stationery at Target before going to the local stationery shop for thank you cards?  What about the local Toy Store for your nephews birthday present or did you go to Toys-R-Us?

There is a movement, which I am a huge supporter of, its called The 3/50 Project.  It is based on a simple concept of saving the Brick and Mortar Shops that keep your downtown feeling like a neighborhood.  Brick and Mortars are what your community has been built on and we can’t forget them, especially in our hard economic times.  They are the ones who feel it in their own pockets, if you don’t go in and buy.  They are Main Street… they are the ones that know you by name, ask how your kids are doing, support your soccer teams, give to your silent auctions and genuinely have a love for what they do.

I know you probably think I’m only writing this post for selfish reasons, and to a certain extent this is true.  I love what I do and I honestly want every customer to leave my shop happy.  I Facebook, blog and have an on-line store to try to compete with the big box stores of the world.  I take my work home with me and work tirelessly to make my dreams come true.  But, I am also writing this because I have seen my father, who has owned a hardware store for the past 63 years, have to compete with the Lowe’s of the world.  I have seen my friends who own their own home furnishings store have to compete with the Pottery Barns of the world.  I could go on and on, but I’m sure you get the hint.  I hope all of you take the time and read the information about The 3/50 Project below.  And this holiday season, remember the little guys… remember us!

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Lauren