Maintaining diversity and choice

To the editor: I really hate to be in a situation of responding to letters to the editor. However, as a citizen, independent business owner and chair person of the Warwick Independent Business Alliance ,it is unavoidable. I am personally saddened by the closing of the Bookstore, as Michael is a friend, and I believe he provided a valuable service. As a friend, I have been touched by the letters of support. As a business owner, I have appreciated the letters recognizing a dangerous trend of the loss of valuable services and the potential impact on our community. As a mother and member of a much larger community of the United States, I am disheartened by the lack of understanding of the larger problem. I most recently read a letter expressing the need for small retailers to differentiate themselves by providing better service or a more pleasant environment to differentiate themselves from the big boxes and the Internet. The writer told independent businesses to “compete on a unique experience that brings people back and gets them raving about it to their friends.” I am happy to say, that so many people say how much they love our stores and often bring their friends, telling them this one or that is their favorite store. Sadly though, many of these people love the experience of visiting us, but do not support us. Yes, many of us have a tremendously loyal client base that does support us, but “the experience,” “the quality we offer,” “the exceptional customer service,” does not seem to always be enough. There are too many people in town who have never given us a chance, just assuming we were too expensive and did not offer enough. But this is not about us - this is not simply about the businesses in Warwick. I see a looming trend that is so much bigger than us. As a nation, we are always looking for the quickest, easiest way to get things done. Sometimes it is for less, but then again, it is more often about convenience. What about diversity and choice? When the independents are gone, the diversity and choices will be gone too, as well as jobs for our children. So many American manufacturers have been forced to close, leaving so many unemployed, because the large chain stores have their items made abroad for less. Yes, we lost our bookstore along with so many other communities. Yes, we can still buy books online, though the choices are quickly shrinking. Once all the independent bookstores are gone, we will only be able to buy “commercially viable books.” Yes, readers may be tired about reading about The Bookstore. It is unfortunate that bookstores are the poster children for the loss of choices. What sectors are next? Are you okay with reading the same books as everyone else? Do you mind wearing the same clothes and having the same furniture as your neighbor? We seem to have come a long way from the days when we “looked for the union label.” Now we no longer even care to see if it was made in America. Guess that makes sense, since whenever we have a problem we will be talking to someone overseas anyway. If you’re not okay with this trend and you want to help make a difference just think before you buy and ask yourself if you can get what you need at a locally owned independent business. It’s not always possible, but it’s always worth trying. Deborah Blomfield Warwick Independent Business Alliance