To the Editor:
We live in an awkward time in history. The future for most retailers looks bleak, and the small-town family-run business is dying. I love Creston, and more than the beauty of the valley, I care for and love its people. I love walking downtown and talking with people. I also love spending time talking with business owners, and throwing ideas around about what our town’s future looks like. Recently I overheard some tourists talking about moving in their retirement (one couple from the west, and one the east). These future retirees are looking for more than just the beauty of a community, they want amenities.
I had a conversation a couple of years ago with Creston's current mayor, in which I stole about 30 minutes of his time. I had to remind him that things are much different than they were 30 years ago. You see, 25 years ago, I worked for and managed a furniture store, and at that time most furniture stores were operating on 50-60 points (100 per cent plus markup) — now, for any store to be competitive, they are operating on less than 12-20 points. You simply can't afford to be in business. Volume, volume, volume was being pushed down our throat, and overproduction became rampant. Companies are being forced to sell things like phones that do everything except offer a decent living for the person who handles the product.
I urge us as a community to look outside the box. Let’s think of something together. If you are an entrepreneur, and want to start something in Creston, I am open for advice (at no charge). I don't want to be like the 700-plus people that make their living outside of Creston (although the pressure is on). Can we come together as a community to help revitalize our downtown or does it even matter? I look forward to dialogue, and am open to any calls, or maybe a public forum to discuss and put things on the table.
And a sincere thank you to Bahamas General Store, Wear Withall and all other businesses that have moved on from downtown over the past year, your dedication to the Creston Valley is not unnoticed.
Creston