Any small town retailers here?

[WVGal1963]

Living in WV….”the Trumpiest state in the land”….and given tariff threats, I’m just hoping to connect with any small town/rural/small business owners on DU. If anyone would like to connect, I would LOVE to discuss any plans you have, any thoughts you have, and how you are planning to operate in 2025. Sigh. Heavy sigh…..

We will celebrate our 50th business anniversary in 2027. I am NOT afraid to reinvent and my entire crew at my store feels the same way. I want to keep a safe place for all of them because we are FAMILY and we are one another’s TRIBE!!

One person who works at my store lived on the streets, went to “prison” over a stolen sandwich - - got held down by a bunch of Skinheads there and his amazing curly hair was shaved. One person who works at my store has a developmental disability but luckily, he has a supportive family who loves him and takes care of him. Two people at my store are gay and BOTH have felt serious degrees of intimidation since the election results.

Sanctuary has become my new favorite word when I describe my store. Never, ever thought I would have to feel this way, but I do. I will fight and work and do all that I can to make sure that my folks have a safe place to be……a safe place to work…..a safe place to experience the new hand that we all now have to face.

Dang. How I wish it could be more of a celebration, than this.

Love you ALL DU’ers!

[electric_blue68]

1. I'm not, but wishing you, and your Store Family the best of luck!

My cousin worked in a medium town framing store became the chief person, after the owner. Now she does it at home in a basement work area. 👍

[NameAlreadyTaken]

2. You're an awesome person

We have a tiny shop in a town of 234 people, 80% are Trump voters. We will not discuss Trump or politics at all. I clam up and become "strictly business" if that comes up, until the customer leaves. Fortunately it's rare.

[MontanaMama]

3. Small town business owner here.

Actually owned two businesses but sold one of them a year ago. We are in the process of closing the second one in anticipation of retirement. It’s a hard life being self employed but it is what I know and we have been have been able to make a decent living doing it. It has been the privilege of my professional life working with the folks we’ve hired and grown to love. My superpower has been creating compensation packages that our employees have wanted/needed. Everybody needs something different and I love love love making it happen.

[Fla Dem]

4. You have a heart of gold. The folks in you small town, rural area are fortunate to have you.

Congratulations on your 50th business anniversary coming up in a couple of years. Actually, CONGRATULATIOS on your upcoming 48th anniversary, that's a fantastic milestone!