I hope this message finds you and your family in good health. We all cannot avoid the constant barrage of the negative news about the economy. It’s in the newspapers, magazines and radio. It’s reality—we’ve been in a full-blown recession for over a year. Sadly, most of the retail doom and gloom has been focused on the Big Box retailers. Their numbers are down, but those pale in comparison to the hurt this down economy has put on small independent stores.

I’ve talked to many businesses across the board and nearly all are experiencing a very serious downturn thus far this holiday season. In some cases, we’re talking 40+ percent decreases in sales from last year (which, by the way, for most was a down year from the previous year, 2007.) For these independent stores, the holiday season represents 25% of their annual sales – the holiday season is a “make it or break it” scenario.

Compound this with increasing cost of goods, skyrocketing utility rates, rent hikes, taxes and well … you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out the negative consequences. So why am I sending this email? It is more than a gentle, subliminal reminder … It’s a plea! SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT RETAILER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. I fear many will not survive the winter. We talk about where we live and why we choose certain neighborhoods. We talk about what we value and sometimes we don’t put a price on what it means to us. What about customer service? What about product knowledge? I could go on …

Remember that it is many of your local merchants who donate to or sponsor events with organizations that you are familiar with. Studies show a large percentage of dollars stay in a community when you BUY LOCAL vs. leaving the state with an online or big box purchase.

Sadly, if a local store closes, it not only becomes an empty storefront (in this economy, they’re not lining up to rent spaces) but the trickle down from this loss affects many—the local accountant, lawyer, insurance broker and printer to name a few. So you really know many who are or would be affected by the closing of a local “Mom and Pop”. So, PLEASE during this holiday season … try to spread the “Good Gospel” … support your local bookstore, record shop, boutique, hardware store, coffee shop, and toy store. Shop at the galleries and support local artists.

Go out and support the small music clubs that hire local musicians. Eat at independent restaurants. Put the word out on the street. Forward this email. Tell your neighbors, friends and coworkers. Teach your kids about the importance of supporting local businesses. It’s all about education and awareness. Buy multiple gift certificates in small amounts to give away this holiday season …

Be The Change | Think Globally … Shop Locally

Steve Presser
Owner
Big Fun on Coventry

At Big Fun, we’ve had some decent “rushes”, but not the crowds that we are used to at this time of year.  Friends in other cities have shared the same stories.  There is still hope.  People are starting to think twice about where they shop and who they want to support.  Please continue to spread the word and we all will be better for it.

Now for something completely different …. I always wanted to say that!  This is something related.  At Big Fun, we have thousands of different items.  During a lull (damn those) I decided to do a “study”, not a random sampling.  Although not professional, it was a pretty thorough examination of all “labeled” items in my store to see how many were actually still made in the good old USA.  While you’re thinking of this number, I have excluded books, stickers, trading cards, magnets and shirts. 13 Items …. THIRTEEN  is not a lucky number.

I actually stretched the number because for those who may be interested which toys they are:

• Wooly Willy and Hairdoo Harriet.  Wooly Willy is toy where you take metal shavings and place “hair” over the bald guy’s head. Yes …. I’ve tried it.   Hairdoo Harriet is Willy’s folically-challenged sister.  The same company also makes Basket-Bounce and Home Run in the US.
• Slinky and Slinky Jr. created in 1945 are still a big favorite at Big Fun.
• Nose Flutes and Humazoos made locally in Cleveland.
• Super Snow (and I’m not talking about the stuff at Boston Mills) is also made in our dear city of Cleveland.
• Silly Putty, formally called Nutty Putty,  was originally used in Army Rockets until scientist A. Lazo dropped a sample on the floor and it bounced.
• Gyroscopes are still made in the states.
• Jacks, the “good” metal ones—and there is a difference, are made in southern Ohio.

And finally, my favorite:

• WHOOPS the best  fake vomit on the market is made by hand, individually (like snowflakes—no two alike) in Chicago.

There are some other items that are labeled “made in the USA”, but also say—”bag made in China.”

I don’t know about you, but this really upsets me.  I’m not a politician, a scientist or an economist.  I am an American and would love to sell MADE IN USA products.  I welcome your feedback and better yet, find me some Big Fun-worthy cool toys made here in our country.

If you want to buy Made in the USA products or better yet, made locally by very talented artists, please stop by the HEIGHTS ARTS GALLERY at 2173 Lee Rd. (next to the wonderful Cedar Lee Theater in Cleveland Heights.  216-371-3457

If I don’t see you . . . Have A Healthy Happy New Year . . . 2009 can’t get here fast enough.

All the Best,