The
creation of the internet has been an amazing technological
advancement for society. With the click of a button, we have instant
access to information that adults back-in-the-day would tell us nosy
little brats, I mean darling young children like me to either look it
up in a dictionary, encyclopedia or peddle our fat little fannies
down to the local library. Rather than resort to such “extremes”,
I took great joy in making up stuff that sounded reasonable in my
convoluted little mind. I guess that’s how I landed my current job
as publisher of this fine magazine!
The
ease of access to gobs of information is of course just one of the
many things the internet provides to the masses. Another is the
convenience of shopping online and having products delivered to our
front door, oftentimes at a savings over conventional retail
shopping. That convenience does come at a cost, not only to ourselves
but to our local community as well.
Every
dollar we spend outside our neighborhood represents one less dollar
for local businesses to hire more help or simply survive. It’s no
great secret that many businesses have moved out of our beautiful
state as California has become an increasingly hostile environment to
do business in. Texas Governor Rick Perry hasn't exactly been shy
about poaching large businesses from California by pitching them on
why his state is a great place to do business in. Over the past 23
years, I’ve heard thousands of local business owners complain about
the escalation of clever fees, tax hikes and costly imposed
improvements that squeeze away their shrinking profits like a
financial vise.
With
all the challenges that we have faced not so long ago during the
Great Recession, I totally understand the value and importance of
making every dollar stretch, so when the savings from buying on-line
is substantial, it can be very difficult to rationalize buying local.
On the other hand; if the savings is relatively small while the
benefits to our community is obviously great, it makes perfect sense
to resist the temptation to push the computer tab that adds it to the
shopping cart.
I
spoke with my good friend and local business owner Millie
Finch (Owner of Trends-n-Treats Pet Supply-Spa-Boutique in Fair Oaks)
the
other day about the subject of supporting local businesses. Here’s
how our conversation went.
A:
Supporting locally owned businesses can help prevent national chains
from monopolizing the market, and help maintain the character and
closeness of a community like ours, that so many of us enjoy and
consider a privilege being a part of. It’s a really good feeling
knowing you are making a difference by shopping at locally owned
small businesses’.
A:
Yes it does. The money spent at locally owned businesses often stays
within the community and helps create and provide job opportunities
to help stabilize a thriving business community.
A:
They sure can at Trends-n-Treats! That’s one of the most
distinguishing differences and draw of our small locally owned
business compared to a corporate box store shopping experience.
Corporate policy often doesn't allow their employees to provide the
one-on-on service; therefore, employees may not have the same
enthusiasm and passion to help customers with their needs and
questions beyond say, what they can read to a customer that’s
printed on the back of the package. At Trends-n-Treats, we have the
ability to take the time to listen to our customer’s pet needs and
help them with difficult questions, especially in regards to proper
pet nutrition, because we have a true passion for what we do and
because we can provide answers that are backed by research.
Q:
As a local business owner, are you now more inclined to shop with
other locally owned businesses?
A:
Always have and always will! I love the friendly, personal service
and the consistency of seeing the same faces who know me and my
family. I also appreciate a store’s ability to custom order
outside their current inventory, which is something we do at
Trends-n-Treats. Our customers often tell us that our store is one of
the few places their pets feel comfortable and excited to visit,
because they've come to know our family and can sense how much we
truly care about and look forward to seeing them.
Q:
What are some of the best ideas you've implemented to network with
other locally owned businesses?
A:
Being active in my local chamber of commerce attending & holding
business mixers and participating in charitable and other community
events. Here’s one example: This month, Trends-n-Treats is
participating along with other local business owners to bring new
customers into each of our business’ by donating to the HUGE
Go-For-It Sweepstakes giveaway that’s going to bless one very lucky
winner!
Q:
Our magazine was created to motivate and inspire our readers to break
through fears and self-limiting beliefs to live an extraordinary
life. What have been the greatest fears you've faced, either in your
personal life or in business and how have you overcome them?
A:
Greatest personal fears...health issues, finances and loss for both
me and my family. Business wise; a few years back, our store
Trends-n-Treats was located inside another shopping center. We had
been there four years when a large corporation moved one of their pet
boutique stores in next to us. We were in the midst of a downward
economy and although we gave it all we had, there was no way for our
family business to survive next to the big guys. All of my eggs in
one basket, so to speak, with my family, my staff and my own
livelihood at stake, I became filled with fear! With support of our
local business community and our customers, I put on the shield of
faith and entered into major survival mode! On a wing and a prayer,
we moved Trends-n-Treats to a brand new location. I gained so much
from that experience both personally and business wise.
Q:
What are the greatest joys and challenges of owning a family run
business? How have you dealt with the challenges?
A:
I opened my business to provide a future for my family. It brings
great joy to my heart knowing everyday I get to wake up and work
alongside the people I love the most and get to spend time with even
in a working environment. One of the greatest challenges stems from
the same seed. Not every second of the day does every family member
see eye to eye regarding the decisions made, but at the end of the
day we’re all family and look past our differences, making sure we
keep the support strong for each other and for the business.
Q:
With the holiday season in full swing, what are some great gifts to
give to people that love their pets?
A:
Breed specific items, especially for dog lovers such as shirts,
socks, jewelry, plaques, cards, magnets, note pads, aromatherapy pet
candles and so on! For Cat lovers the same, plus laser toys, unique
bat around feather wands, toy mice etc. would be purrrrrfect.
Trends-n-Treats is proud to carry unique and locally made cat trees,
pet collars, beds, soft and tough pet toys and so much more! When you
visit friends and family, remember to bring gifts for their pets such
as cat nip for the cats or healthy chews and specialty treats for the
doggies!
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