Small businesses are dying and if you don't give us a hand, they will disappear. This sign “I'll be back in 5 minutes” will definitely be replaced by another: “Liquidation due to closure.” We need you to value us, support us and include us in your purchases. And it's not that 1984. British Shop, where I got the sign from, is going to close. On the contrary, it offers you cool things on Cimadevilla Street. Don't forget to visit it.
Imagine any street in any neighborhood of your city. From any city. Imagine that there is a small delicatessen, run by Manuel, and a bakery, Ana's. How many troubles they have gotten you out of at the last minute! Also imagine a small clothing store. María is its owner and knows perfectly the type of garment that suits you, because she knows you and listens to you. When you buy, you buy for yourself. Imagine that there is also a shoe store on that street. His name is Luis and he has a small place, but he has already repaired many pairs for you and even managed to find the perfect dye so that you could take advantage of those salons that you didn't wear because they had a color that didn't match you with anything. And imagine Carmen's fruit shop, which has the oranges that give the most juice and is the only one that gets you potatoes from the garden (the kind that stain a lot, because they are full of dirt, like the ones before) and home-made eggs. And there is a little store, Electricidad Valentín, where José gets you the part of the vacuum cleaner that broke last week and even helps you with the circuit that you have to make with your son for a school project. And on the first floor of any of the buildings on that street there lives a small agency, which prepares the income tax returns for all the members of your family, with Margarita's hair and beauty salon, who has exquisite taste in hair. makeup and is attentive to all trends to guide her clients. Imagine a fishmonger, Paco's, that if the crab you bought on the weekend goes wrong, he gives you some periwinkles with your next purchase to compensate for the displeasure. And, of course, pay special attention when cleaning your fish so that no bones get in and your little daughter doesn't get syncope. And there is a fabric store that has grown, Belén is its owner, who has employed two young women from the neighborhood whom she practically saw being born. And, on the corner, Juan and his family run a cider house where they offer a menu of homemade food that takes the hiccups.
Imagine walking down that street on any given morning. Manuel says good morning to you, you stop to chat with Carmen, who is sweeping the sidewalk in front of her fruit shop, you go over to buy a quarter of bread and Ana asks you about your mother, who had the flu last week. Then you stop by María's store and buy her a turtleneck, which is already starting to get cold, and, on the way back, you get an extension cord at José's store. You talk about the weather, which is a little crazy.
-How is your son's work?- he asks you.
-Phenomenal. His teacher congratulated him, you answer.
That same afternoon, when you return home, you walk slowly, enjoying the shop windows and the lighting of the shops that, especially now at Christmas, brighten up your neighborhood. And you stop to drink a bottle of cider and chat at length with Cecilia, Juan's wife, who listens to all your sorrows or joys from the other side of the bar. Next week you met to eat together because, after so much dealings, clients and owners end up being friends.
Suddenly, you remember that you had to pick up your son's shoes. It's already 8:30 p.m., but you call Luis to see if he's still in the shoe store. He picks up the phone and calms you down. “Don't worry, I'm still making money. Come, I'll wait for you,” he tells you. And you fly to their location, which is very close. You arrive right away. The bag with the shoes is ready for you.
I don't have to imagine much. This is my neighborhood. Where I live and where I work, running a small business.
Now, imagine that that delicatessen, that bakery, that shoemaker, that clothing store, that electricity business, that cider house or that hairdresser closes. Imagine the street without places open to the public, without lighting, without beautiful shop windows. Imagine that lifeless street, deserted, with only people passing through.
It's sad, right? Well, you don't have to imagine so much. On the contrary, in some areas it is already a reality. It costs a lot to run a business. A small business cannot compete with department stores, with their big promotions and low prices. Black Fridays, Cyber Mondays, Christmas Shopping and discounts every other day are also leading us to disappear. They impose them, in a certain way, and we have no choice but to support them so that there is a little joy in our boxes. But it is bread for today and hunger for tomorrow. We are also harmed by the massive online sales of large multinationals and, most painfully, that some people try on, for example, a garment from a certain brand in a physical store to then order the appropriate size online.
Do you want to buy when the franchises or shopping centers tell you to? Many times their announcements of big sales are hooks to pay off certain products and encourage your consumption.
Do you want to wear a uniform? The same stores in all cities, the same quality, the same countries of manufacture and the same countries of sale, the same designs.
Do you want to promote labor exploitation? Those who create jobs will always have my support, but not those who pay ridiculous salaries for marathon work days and, many times, with Sundays and holidays not paid as such.
And I know that it is very comfortable to go out shopping on a Sunday, but people who work in shopping centers or department stores also have families. And they have already worked from Monday to Saturday.
I do not intend to tell you, in the least, where and from whom you should buy. I only ask that you reflect and take us into account in your Christmas shopping. We small merchants send you an SOS Help us survive. We offer you attention, quality, good treatment and a lot of love. We are your neighbors. Do you support us? The City Council has decided to do so and, starting Monday, will launch a campaign to encourage consumption in neighborhood stores under the motto “Local commerce, without going any further.” And you? You add up?
Tags: shopping, Christmas, small business, gifts, neighbors
38 responses to “Make him come back, it depends on you”
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1. César Inclán through FacebookDecember 19, 2015
Wonderful text, written with the ink of the heart. I can't think of a better tribute to small businesses. Of course, I join in.
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 22, 2015
You always add up, César. Thank you for your unconditional support.
2. Misael Asturias via FacebookDecember 19, 2015
Great Sandra!
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 22, 2015
Thank you Misael. We have a chic boy pending starring you. Sales are sure to go up. Ha ha. Happy Holidays.
3. Yolanda García Fano via FacebookDecember 19, 2015
I love Sandra!
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 22, 2015
Thank you Yolanda. For reading me, for following me and for participating. The competitions start soon and we will see each other. A hug and Merry Christmas.
4. Paco Gonzalez Fernandez through FacebookDecember 19, 2015
It seems like a nice fairy tale, but it is a true story. CONGRATULATIONS in capital letters.
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 22, 2015
Thank you very much Paco. You have a small business and you know what I'm talking about. Unfortunately, not all stories have a happy ending. We hope ours does. A hug and happy holidays. And happy sales.
5. Maria Jesus Menendez via FacebookDecember 19, 2015
Sandra, with this story that you just told and that, unfortunately, is real, you will end up moving the stones, ha, ha. I will continue to take care of mine but I will take a look around C/ Magdalena as well. (There are many Cupcakes, the message is understood). Congratulations, as always.
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 22, 2015
Thank you very much, María Jesús. You are always there, aware of everything I do. You're sweet.
6. Eugenia Padilla via FacebookDecember 19, 2015
I like it!
7. YoliDecember 19, 2015
Always with traditional commerce...let's keep our work
8. RaquelDecember 19, 2015
beautiful text sandra
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 22, 2015
Thank you very much, Raquel.
9. Belen Suarez Garcia via FacebookDecember 19, 2015
A sad story very well told from the optimism of trying to make us see how endearing, close and personal our neighborhood is, you just have to leave the house with the “eyes of feeling” and our most frequented and everyday streets are transformed!!!
Take the test!!!
10. Belen Suarez Garcia via FacebookDecember 19, 2015Reply
11. Nuria Fervienza Tronco via FacebookDecember 19, 2015
How well explained and with what taste
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 21, 2015
Thank you very much, Nuria. A hug.
12. Blanca Tuñon via FacebookDecember 19, 2015
In a way this entry reflects the philosophy that I would like to carry, to be able to enjoy my neighborhood and contribute to keeping it alive.
The reality is different.
Worker with split hours from Monday to Saturday. Many times when I have wanted to buy something in the neighborhood stores I have found many of the businesses closed on Saturday afternoon for their well-deserved rest, be careful!
I would love to shop more often at El Antigüo Iriarte (sometimes on sale) but their prices are exorbitant. It is clear that being a Spanish worker is not incompatible with having exquisite taste, but it is incompatible with the pocketbook.
All the best,
I will continue buying as long as I can
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 21, 2015
Hello Blanca. We would love to open on Saturday afternoon. If there were people, it would be sold and the neighborhood would be alive. But is not the case. The old town of Oviedo is oriented, above all, to the hospitality industry and, when the square is closed, customers disappear. Regarding our “exorbitant” prices, it is the type of product that we have chosen because there is that gap in the market. We cannot compete with Zara on price, therefore we compete on quality, brand and exclusivity. Anyway, I'm not talking about our store when I refer to the lack of support for small businesses. He spoke in general and there are stores much cheaper than ours. Everyone buys where their purchasing power allows. If I told you which one is mine... We appreciate that you have read the blog, that you respond and interact and that you buy from us, whether on sale or in season. We will treat you just as well. A hug Blanca and happy holidays.
13. TereDecember 19, 2015
I identify with your writing. I was born on Águila Street, next to the cathedral, where my father and my aunt had the El Molinón bakery, all my life running around the old one. Your story is part of my life!! Congratulations Sandra!!!
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 21, 2015
Thanks Tere. We are daughters of the old town. Ha ha. I also grew up in its streets and I love it madly. That's why I want to work on it and fight for its survival.
14. Susana Taboada Fernandez through FacebookDecember 19, 2015
I share it…
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 21, 2015
Thank you very much Susana. The more it is shared, the more people will become aware. A hug and Merry Christmas.
15. Nolete Araguez via FacebookDecember 19, 2015
All with small businesses. Behind this, great people serve you. Small and big at the same time. My support to all of you who are trying to move forward with your business, always great, for those of you who work for it. I invite you all to buy from them this Christmas.
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 21, 2015
Thank you very much Nole for your support and for encouraging people to buy in our stores. A huge kiss and hug.
16. CarlosDecember 19, 2015
My most sincere congratulations, it is the true reality. No one will serve us like the merchant in your neighborhood, on your street, who knows you, listens to you and solves your problems.
Without street commerce, city centers will end up as a desert.
The political class take good note, promise less and act more.
Let's save the cities, we still have time.
LET'S SAVE THE CITIES!
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 21, 2015
We must all take note. The political class, merchants and citizens, who are responsible for where they buy. We don't realize that there is much more in our hands than we think. If we are aware and each and every one of us takes action, change will be possible. In Europe, there are many cities and towns where they value their local trade and fight for it. Cheer up. Let's see if we can do it. A hug, Carlos, and thank you for reading and participating.
17. JuanmaDecember 19, 2015
It is the harsh reality... Many of us will have to close soon, thanks to you... Those of you who support the big ones, the online ones......
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 21, 2015
It's hard, Juanma. We already closed a store years ago. You have to fight tooth and nail and, although sometimes it costs a lot, maintain the illusion. A hug and thanks for reading the post.
18. Concha QuirosDecember 19, 2015
I share it one hundred percent!
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 21, 2015
Thank you very much, Conchita. Share it. We both defend our family businesses. Hopefully for a long time. A hug.
19. Marta Gonzalez Fernandez through FacebookDecember 20, 2015
Great!!!!! Totally agree!!!!! Brilliant!!!!! Cheer up girls, you are worth it!!!!!
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 21, 2015
Thank you very much for reading our new entry and for showing us your support, Marta. It's what it takes. Fight.
20. Ana Blanca G. Bermejo via FacebookDecember 26, 2015
Thank you Sandra, it cannot be expressed better. I wish everyone would really realize the difficult situation of small businesses.
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 27, 2015
Thank you Ana for reading this entry. Let's hope that people understand our situation and fight more for small stores, valuing them and buying from them. A hug
I don't like shopping in large stores. I don't see anything, I get tired and bored. I like to go outside, smell familiar smells, or almost imagine them. Seeing that unique dress in the window that will make me almost exclusive. Look at the ankle boots, boots or espadrilles (I'm crazy about that type of footwear), I look at them and love at first sight! I enter the store, smiling faces that remind me of Juan, they help me, they don't pressure me to They buy, they let me see myself and decide. Sometimes I buy on the first try, other times with doubt, I let a few days pass, and other times I don't even buy, but they always receive me with the same kindness. It is impossible for small businesses to die. There are many of us who don't like large stores.
Thank you for this very emotional post.
either elantiguoiriarteDecember 27, 2015
Thank you very much Chus. If many people thought like you, small businesses would never disappear. I'm glad that you value exclusivity, quality and attention. We will continue fighting for our businesses and for customers like you. Thank you for following the blog and for participating by giving your opinion. A hug.
