I shopped at this store in my town, Silverton, last year. Not much, but I did patronize them, and, should I desire to do so this holiday season, that is just too bad. Black Lily closed its doors in late June 2010 after three years in business. It was someone's dream, took a lot of hard work to build the little business, and had some real admirers in residents and tourists alike. I thought it was a touch of class to have an actual postcard at the cashier counter given to patrons for a memento/advertising. So, where this is not by any means an old postcard I am posting it for Old Postcard Wednesday because the store it boasts is a thing of the past, and an indicator of how tough this year has been for so many.
Since Black Lily closed, the corner retail space in a fine old three-story brick building downtown has sat vacant. It looks pitiful, especially this time of year -- and particularly because they created fine seasonal window dressings that I miss. Click here for a complete list of Retail Store Closings in 2010 (last updated 10-12-10). Black Lily is not on the list, as it appears that by "store" they mean larger retailers and chains. In any case it is an interesting list and there is a bit of positivity there, in that the 2010 closings appear to be behind the completed list for 2009 closings.
However, is anybody else out there just waiting for the other shoe to drop? This particular Wednesday is one of my husband's personal unpaid "furlough" days in his job with the state. We expect that these will continue throughout 2011, but will not complain because one has to have a job in order to be subjected to unpaid "furlough" days! Their impact on our household is that even if Black Lily was open for business this holiday season in downtown Silverton I could not have shopped there, not this year.
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I don't want this post to be all doom and gloom, and will end on a high note.....a successful small business! My cousin Marjorie "Midge" Dey has a beautiful store featuring unique gifts in Massachusetts called Marjorie's. In business now for 15 years, she is assisted by her daughter, Jen. This mother-daughter team would love your business, in person or via their online boutique, so if you have some last-minute gifts you might want to take a look (or keep them in mind for 2011). Really, their website is a treat with its Online Boutique, "Our Story" about their business - complete with photos, and a great section called Favorites in which they give links to Cape Cod websites and other points/vendors of interest. Visit the shop at Marjorie's. You can also connect with the store at their Facebook page!
These great coasters are an example of Midge's "Shell Inspirations." She collects the shells during her beach walks, and designs and creates some truly special shell artwork (see more of Midge's Cape Cod and Beach Inspired Gifts here). I am so impressed with her artistry and the love that she and Jen have put into Marjorie's.
{Hey, Midge, this is my holiday greeting to you and the family...with love!}
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