An Insider's Perspective...
I have a friend who always leaves unreasonably large tips at restaurants. Why? Because once upon a time, she was a waitress herself. She knows how hard that job is, and how much those tips mean. She has an insider’s perspective. This year, as the holidays approach, I am appealing to you, with my insider’s perspective as a shopkeeper. Please consider pledging to spend all your holiday dollars here, in our state of New Mexico.
Before I had the Poppyfield Bead Company I never thought about these things. Sure, I had heard, “buy local” but I figured other more community-conscious people could do that. I wanted speed, convenience, and the bargain. In truth, I didn’t really understand the issue. I didn’t realize that when I spend money in town, that money does not just go to the pocket of that particular store owner. That money moves. It circulates and magnifies and does a lot of good for a lot of New Mexicans.
Let me explain how it works. The money that is spent at Poppyfield Bead Company does not stay at Poppyfield. First, about half of it goes back to my suppliers to buy more merchandise so the store can stay stocked. Sometimes, more goes out, as we grow and expand our inventory. What happens to the rest of it is what is so essential to our community. Your money goes to pay wages to my employees, who are your neighbors. They live here and will spend their earnings here, which will support other businesses in our community. They also care about YOU. They know YOUR NAME and want to help YOU leave satisfied and make beautiful things. But that’s off the point, and not about the local economy. It is another issue for another day. I digress.
My landlord lives down the street from the store. I pay my rent to him, and he in turn, spends the money in Albuquerque for his family’s needs. I also pay Mike the Printer, and Randy who washes my windows. These men work hard to make a living, and your “bead money” supports them and their honest work. Dave the electrician does my lighting, and repairs. When my lightbulbs blow, I go to Voss Lighting, another local business to replace them. When I need computer cables, of course I go next door to Hallmark. The hooks, bags, and other plastic retail needs come from ManICan on Comanche. Adrian is my handyman and I will soon be giving him some of your “bead money” as we enhance our displays. He has 2 children and so your bead money will go to meeting their needs. My ads are in Albuquerque Arts and IQ, two local publications that also benefit from my business. Even when I spend profits, for example, to buy my professional wardrobe, the saleswoman - a very nice lady who has been on her feet all day and is still smiling, will get a commission. The store where I shop and the tailor who hems my pants, will also benefit. So does the nice young woman who cuts my hair. Do you see now? When you shop locally you are supporting all these people in your own community. They in turn survive and hopefully thrive, and pass on that money (your money) to others HERE in New Mexico...and so on, and so on, and so on.
Now suppose you shop on the internet for your holiday gifts instead of a local shop...
If the business is out of state (which it is), your precious and scarce cash is going far away, and NEVER EVER coming back. When that business needs their windows cleaned (if they even have any windows), they aren’t paying Randy, or anyone else in New Mexico. Nor are they supporting your neighbors the printer, handyman, tailor, electrician, landlord, retail clothing store owner, or hair stylist. When any of us buy on the internet, we are actually taking our money out of our New Mexico economy and giving it to people who will use it to support THEIR local economy. Something we, in New Mexico, cannot afford to do.
Is the internet evil? Should you feel guilty? Should you never shop on the internet? NO, I am not suggesting any of those things. I am simply asking you to think about where you are spending your money. You worked hard for it. There isn’t much of it these days. If you have a choice, please choose to help our state, and your neighbors. Buy local, even if it isn’t the easiest or cheapest alternative.
If we are not for New Mexico, who will be for us??
