By Mary Alice Scott
What can I say that hasn’t already been said? The life of a small business owner continues to feel like a rollercoaster that’s slightly out of control – and certainly out of their control.
After thoroughly over-using the word “unprecedented,” it continues to be the most useful descriptor for what we’ve faced over the last 20+ months. Problems that have arisen before (difficulty finding staff, inflation, illness), have all come together to create a cycle of exhaustion for local business. This cycle of ups and downs may be difficult for some to overcome.
This winter, we may see many businesses close their doors for weekends, full weeks, or even full months. Many small business owners are doing this pre-emptively, to prevent burning out. Some are doing so because they’ve already reached their breaking point – or their staff have. They need to take a long break now to continue operating later on.
Winter is a challenging time to operate a small, local business in Portland, even in our best years.
I’m left with many questions, which we must come together to answer as a community:
- How do we maintain a four-season city, in which the local businesses which thrive serve our entire community year-round?
- How can we maintain a workforce that feels valued and less at-risk of burnout after the “busy season” subsides?
For now, the best ways to support the local businesses which give our community its unique flavor remain the ones we have often repeated. Look to local businesses first before shopping online or at chain stores. And when you do shop local, be kind (overly so!) to the staff who work there.
January is a great time to try a new hobby (perhaps a knitting kit from KnitWit), find new ways to move your body (a virtual yoga class with Ashley Flowers Yoga), and safely get outside in the snow (gear up at shops like Nomads or the Portland Gear Hub).
As things continue to be more of the same (and hard), it continues to be vital to go out of our way to support local businesses, tip generously, and be kind to everyone who continues to work in public-facing jobs.
Mary Alice Scott is Executive Director of Portland Buy Local. The West End News is a Portland Buy Local member and media partner.
