12/19/2005: "Shop Locally! We Will Stay Open For You!"

Dear Editor:

This morning when I came in to open The Toy Box for business, I was greeted by a printed unsigned notice. It read:

"My family and I make every effort to shop locally, especially at this time of year. However, we are very discouraged that many local shopkeepers do not see fit to stay open later during the Holiday Season. For working people who try to support the local economy, stores are closed when we arrive or shortly thereafter. This is very disappointing to many residents, especially since there is always such a hue and cry from merchants that residents do not support the local economy. Perhaps this may be one reason why."

I would like to respond to this message.

For the last 12 years we have made many efforts to stay open late during the holidays. To attract customers, we have banded with other businesses and offered free food and drinks. We have advertised in the newspapers. We have added entertainment. None of these efforts has produced late shoppers. In fact, we have had NO shoppers. It is simply not cost effective for us to pay an employee or to sit there ourselves for an extra hour or two with no customers.

David and I would be very happy to stay open late if someone cannot make it to us during normal business hours. One has only to let us know and we will accommodate as best we can.

We are very grateful to all our local customers. It is by your support that we are able to stay in business in Friday Harbor.

Our normal hours of business are:
Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 5:30 PM and Sunday 10AM to 5 PM.

Thank you.

Nancy Hanson
The Toy Box
Friday Harbor