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For the Record 11/20/08

Posted on November 19, 2008November 21, 2008 by Staff

Eat & shop local

Last week we mentioned the importance of digging deep this season for what are very likely to be very big needs among local charities and nonprofits.

This week we’d like to steer you and your wallet again — this time for the sake of the hundreds of people who make their living in the shops and restaurants in our local economy.

One of the wonderful and unique attributes of all the towns in our coverage area — Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Pittsboro and Hillsborough — is that there is a thriving collection in each of locally owned and operated stores and food and drink establishments.

These are the places that allow us to use terms like “eclectic,” “cool” and even “funky” when describing to outsiders the place where we live. They add character to our community because they are a reflection of the characters that create, own and run them.

These spots are also where many local jobs are created and, unfortunately, in difficult economic times they’re also the spots where jobs can be shed. As we noted last week, the nature of the downturn in the economy is widespread and will not miss this area as it has during past recessions. The market drop and the credit crunch have put all of us on notice that uncertainty and anxiety about finances are going to be around for a while.

Already we are hearing about shifts being cut, workers being let go and businesses in trouble. As noted in this issue, unemployment in Orange and Chatham counties is on the rise. In times like these, dining out less and lighter gift purchases are traditional places to trim.

Still, many of us will, out of habit, venture out to prepare for holiday gifting, feasting and celebrations. Most of us won’t spend what we did in years past and that’s why it’s even more important to direct one’s purchases in ways that can do the most good.

We’d like to ask that when you do venture out in the name of commerce, hunger and entertainment that you make an effort to range closer to home and concentrate your purchasing power for the benefit of your neighbors’ shops and restaurants.

The big chains and shopping destinations might be the big lure this time of year. But keep in mind the little place around the corner, that cool spot downtown and your local artist, farmer, baker, restaurant worker and shopkeeper.

You share a lot more with them than a zip code.

Next week’s paper
Next week and twice in December, we are skipping back to a Wednesday edition. Thursday being Thanksgiving, we wanted to make sure you had your paper in hand ahead of time before the relatives show up and start hogging it. Likewise, we’re coming out a day early for our Christmas and New Year’s issues since they fall on Thursday this year too.

Corrections

We had our postal zone right but our geography wrong last week in describing the location of Woods Charter School. The school is off of Andrews Store Road in Chatham County.
Photographer and very good friend of Bolin Creek Dave Otto shot the front page photo for the Flora column.

5 thoughts on “For the Record 11/20/08”

  1. Sophie King says:
    November 21, 2008 at 3:01 am

    When there is a Target, Kohl’s and Sam’s club in Orange county, I will finally be able to shop here. Can’t afford the non-discount stores with my large family.

    I hope Buckhorn gets built soon!

  2. Emily Buehler says:
    November 21, 2008 at 8:48 am

    Last holiday, I got my little cousin a Make-Your-Own_bead kit from Ali-Cat in Carr Mill Mall. Ironically, my mom got her a beading kit from Michael’s, and the two kits made a good contrast: hers might have been a few dollars cheaper (or not), but it wasn’t nearly as nice as mine and the dollars she spent didn’t help a neighbor or get re-spent at another business in her community.

    Not all items are super-expensive at local businesses. I’ve always been surprised at the prices at Ali Cat, where I can get each cousin a high-quality present for under $15 or even $10.

    My family’s also been purposely cutting back (i.e. giving one well-thought-out present instead of numerous quickly-bought presents) and this has made it easier to shop locally. To me, the gifts feel more Christmas-y and given-in-love when they are thoughtfully selected and are benefiting more people than the recipient.

    I hope I’m not being patronizing; I’ve just begun to enjoy the holidays so much more since I started doing all my “shopping” at alternative gift marts (i.e. charity donations) and locally owned businesses.

  3. Sophie King says:
    November 21, 2008 at 3:50 pm

    Ali Cat is indeed a really nice place for children’s toys. I agree with that.

    But, because in part due to the attitudes of all of the Orange County politicians (Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Orange County) I cannot find affordable clothing within the county. Gotta go to Durham for things like affordable clothing, and other household goods.

    I am sure the people living and working in Durham are appreciative of our spending there (which last I read was about 50% of Orange County household expenditures!) and that their families benefit from all of the dollars that are spent there.

    I am waiting for the day when Orange county realizes how damaging their policies have been, put aside their personal beliefs and allow “big box” stores to be located within our borders.

    Or maybe it will be better to just move to Durham or Alamance County so I can support my local businesses?

    Sad, but true.

  4. E. Friend says:
    November 21, 2008 at 8:11 pm

    It’s not really local if your $$ is going into the pockets of CEO’s out of state. I find great brand name clothes at the Chapel Hill and Carrboro PTA all the time. Pants from Ann Taylor Loft that cost $70 new at Southpoint are under $10 at PTA and Club Nova, plus they are within walking distance from my job. Beat that, Kohl’s.

  5. Sophie King says:
    November 22, 2008 at 3:55 am

    Oh, yeah- I forgot about those “evil” CEOs.

    If you can find used clothes in your size, those stores are a great deal.

    If not, hi-ho hi-ho, it’s off to Durham we go.

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