2012 - Making it Happen!

Rainbow over the Himalayas

Thank you to everyone who made our last year the best year we've ever had! And thank you, too, for your continued support of independent retail. We appreciate each and every one of our customers - we couldn't keep going without you!

The Mayans may or may not have predicted the end of the world for December 2012 (we hope not) but we predict a great new year full of happiness and prosperity for all!

As our friends from Positively Positive said, no matter what your hopes or dreams or resolutions for the new year: "Say it... shout it... believe it... "I AM GOING TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!"

Thanks for a fabulous 2011 and Happy Holidays!

Peace & Prosperity in the New Year!

No matter what your faith or beliefs - whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another holiday - the period that marks the end of one year and the beginning of another is a time for reflection and renewal.

As we close out our 15th year in business, we realize how much we owe to you, our very loyal customers and friends. We are honored and grateful for your friendship and support these many years. Thank you!

We wish you all much peace, happiness, health, and prosperity in the New Year!

-Sally, Chris, Lilo, & Amida

Everyone's a Winner When You Support Small Businesses

Take a minute now and try to imagine what your neighborhood would be like without your locally-owned mom-and-pop shops. Do the terms "bland," "generic," "boring" come to mind?

Independently owned shops not only give your neighborhood its unique character, they also support the local economy in a myriad of ways. That's the premise behind small business advocacy campaigns like The 3/50 Project and American Express' Small Business Saturday.

Did you know that:

• A locally-owned shop returns 68% of its revenues to the local economy, whereas a national chain returns only 43%?
• Locally-owned shops employ more local residents and pay them substantially higher wages, in addition to having a broader range of jobs available?
• Local businesses buy more than twice as much from other local businesses, and also are more likely to use local banks and other service providers?
• Local businesses contribute more to the community through charitable giving, school funding, and other non-profit organizations?

And now, according to a recent study conducted by Civics Economics, there's one more reason to support small businesses: they help raise your property values.

The Small Business Saturday Shop Local event is November 26. When you register your American Express card in advance and shop at an independently owned small business on Small Business Saturday, American Express will reimburse you with a $25 statement credit! You can register your American Express card here.

Not only are you much more likely to discover some unexpected wonder or unique handmade treasure at an independent small business, but every dollar spent in a locally-owned shop is a vote for the health and welfare of your community.

Everyone wins when you "Shop SMALL" on Small Business Saturday!