On
November 14, 2015, the Arremony’s doors opened for the final time.
(If
I could, I’d insert a real pause here while those that understand
the significance of these words wipe their eyes. Instead, just
take a moment, read the sentence again, then more along when you’re
ready.)
On
November 14, 2015, the Arremony’s doors opened for the final time.
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In
January of 2012, I began a project called Local
Friends for Local Business. You can check
out the pages on our site for more information. The real connection
for this essay is found in two thoughts.
First
-- The general idea of Local Friends has always been to celebrate
those one of a kind, neighborhood treasures. The places that make
your community special, an incredible experience, and different
from mine.
Second
-- The very first challenge of the effort focused on bakeries,
as a deliberate nod to Arremony’s. That challenge has become an
annual January tradition.
I
could use thousands of words to cover the delicious offerings
of Arremony’s. Those words would cover a jaw-dropping assortment
of beyond description doughnuts, how often days featured special
creations, and how many cakes were part of celebrations for my
family and friends.
I
could discuss how mentioning the name Arremony’s around many people
can elicit sighs of joy and cause eyes to glaze over.
As
opposed to many sad stories though, the closing of Arremony’s
has, at its center, some happiness. The owners are moving on to
enjoy other adventures in their lives. The long days have become
difficult. So while certainly sad, and a loss for Jewett City
along with countless customers, this does not seem to be the end
of a small business for economic reasons.
One
portion of my writing this article is to wish those that owned
and worked at Arremony’s well. I will be one of those missing
so many delights that I will never again experience. I will be
one of those cherishing the way staff recognized Terry and I when
we walked in.
Another
portion is to offer a thought or two about the upcoming holiday
season in general, and specifically the ability you have to assist
the restaurants, stores, and other groups in your area.
Since
Local Friends began, many places that I have visited… places that
friends recommended… places that came up in conversations and
experiences… have gone out of business. And the real shame is
how many of those places were offering fantastic products and
service, while simply not being able to generate awareness in
potential customers.
And
that perhaps is one of the most important concepts in Local Friends.
It’s
not about being against national chains and big business. The
larger inventories and selection, the lower prices, the ability
of a customer to know what they will likely get when they walk
through the doors… there are plenty of reasons why these places
do well, and even arguments concerning why for so many they are
necessary.
It’s
not about promoting bad business. There is no reason why you should
accept poor service, reward poor quality, or support businesses
that don’t provide what you would like to have.
And
yet… open your eyes. Look around. Because there are some wonderful
businesses near your home. Many of them you’ve never set foot
inside, and some of them you have passed without really knowing
what they even have to offer. You will likely often be stunned,
delighted, and thrilled by the fabulous people, delicious food,
and fantastic merchandise available.
In
some cases, all it takes is trying something different. Are you
looking for better pizza? Do you need someone to work on your
lawnmower? Would you like a better cup of coffee? …less expensive
office supplies? …something unusual and yet perfect to give as
a birthday present?
You
have the ability to support quality… support your neighborhood…
support the local businesses. And while it begins with your wallet
on any single visit, it goes well beyond that. It moves on to
the recommendations that you give to friends. It includes the
next stop you are going to make, or the development of a place
as a go-to location for something.
As
the holiday season ramps toward full speed consumerism, I take
a moment to tip my cap and shed a tear at the closing of Arremony’s.
I also urge you to consider the fantastic local options for dining
and shopping that are available within a short drive of your home.