Dear Small Business: Thanks for the Memories

Independently owned shops and restaurants have always defined the character of a community or neighborhood. They are places you can visit only on that particular street, in that particular town.

My street is particularly defined by small independent businesses: coffee shops, bars, restaurants, Tibetan clothing and craft shops, herb shops, gift shops and pet food stores. As the recession deepens, my street's distinct charm is fading as more businesses go under. The Cat's Meow, a Hawthorne staple for over twenty years, is closing its doors. The two resident cats have to find new homes. My favorite Hawthorne restaurant, The Italian Joint, abruptly closed two weeks ago. Further west a pet food store and Christian store are also going out of business. How can these niche stores survive in this economic climate? Will my street, and streets like it in communities around the country, soon be home to more empty store fronts than shops? Main streets in small towns have long struggled against the superstores popping up outside of town. Why go the local drugstore when you can get your prescription for much less at Walgreens or Wal-Mart?

It's important to support small business because it is small business that defines our community's character. By supporting those businesses you support your neighbors and friends. You also support what makes your community special. From the smallest town to the biggest city, it is the small unique businesses that cultivate a sense of pride in community. Support your local small businesses....before the liquidation sale.