Shop Local

I have always loved the movie "You've Got Mail" with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. In college we watched it constantly one reason being it was the only video we had at the time. For those of you who lived under a rock in the late 90's, the storyline is Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) feisty, yet cute owns a little book store, the "Shop Around the Corner" meets Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) online and they fall for each other.  They meet each other in person without knowing of their online affair but Kathleen dislikes Joe because Joe's discount Fox Bookstore is moving around the corner and is inevitably going to put Kathleen's little shop out of business. It is Hollywood and in the end they are together in a garden of flowers and life is perfect, romantic, with no worries.

This week such is not the case with some of favorite local businesses owned by friends who put their heart and souls into their dreams, passions and who cannot compete with the likes of the big box Joe Fox stores. The doors of favorite children's clothing, toy and maternity stores are all closing at the end of this month. It is with great sadness that I post this but with hope to inspire everyone no matter where you live to shop your local businesses. You can make a difference by using your locally owned hardware store, farmers market, flower shops or even pharmacy...I love mine they deliver and treat you like a person not a number!

www.ShopLocalRaleigh.org is an organization that "promotes locally owned businesses and works to educate consumers, business owners and the Raleigh community about the many benefits of spending locally." Independents week July 1-7 encourages everyone to support your community...I encourage you to do it all the time.