Greetings!
This Friday and Saturday will mark our 14th Black Friday and Small Business Saturday weekend. It is so odd to think how far we have come ... in fact, it's now called Plaid Friday and I like it.
I am embarrassed when I think of my first Black Friday in my first Location. I was so excited and was just anticipating lines at the doors when I unlocked them. At opening time a big moving truck pulled in front of my store and blocked four parking spaces. I was livid and asked him to move. He refused. I called the cops. It was quite the scene and I don't think I had a customer with or without his truck out there for the first four hours I was open.
The first year was tough. Flood year was rough. But, I must admit the Covid Year will go down in infamy for all small business owners throughout the world. Statistics are that we lose one independent bookstore in this country every day. I can tell you right now though . . . I am not going anywhere. That's a fact. But I can also tell you that when I get the opportunity to meet friends somewhere I want that local somewhere to still exist.
We can be safe and we can support our local businesses. Wear your mask. Practice social distancing. If you aren't quite ready to go into a restaurant order some take out. Call a local delivery service.
And if you have to shop on-line move a little bit of that business to a local retailer. You'd be surprised at how many local retailers have a web presence. We do. And you can bet that no one bends over as backwards as most local businesses to do right by our customers. Seriously, with my manager still quarantining I am doing Facebook on-line, in person, e-mail and curbside orders. it doesn't get any wackier than that working a bookstore by yourself.
And y'all have been so patient with me. And where did that y'all come from -- like I am suddenly from the south or something? I don't talk like that. I am a Calikotan. That is half California half North Dakotan and we say stuff like "Uff da ya dat's Bitchin'."
Back to business ... we have got some great specials for you and if you have to shop on-line we still have free shipping on books on our website through the weekend (at least) which also includes Cyber Monday.
We have tons of new stuff so hope to see you in the store (or on-line) this weekend. Shop safe and shop small AND check out all our specials below.
Val
