Store Closing

I would like to thank all those who have shopped at my storefront over the past three years, as it is greatly appreciated. Many of you have realized the uniqueness of the shop. Unfortunately, your patronage was not enough to make it an economical choice to keep the shop open. Fortunately, the majority of my sales have been online (www.KidsTravelHappy.com). As I close up (Saturday, Jan. 28 is the last day – enjoy 30 percent off any purchase!), I think I speak for most local businesses when I say “Please support them.”

I don’t know how many times I heard from customers “it’s so great you are here. My child has a birthday party in 20 minutes and I don’t have time to drive to Wal-Mart.” Well, that’s great I think to myself, and I did appreciate the business but in order for small local businesses to survive (and remain convenient to townspeople) you need to support them ALL the time, not just in a time of your emergency. Many people seem to enjoy the convenience of last-minute-local-shopping, but shopping locally should be a priority.  Venture out when you can't find something locally(don’t just assume you can’t). The more of your money in the local economy, the more local businesses can afford to exist and possibly thrive here. You’ll save on gas and time too.

Remember: “Local, independent businesses assist the community through a 'multiplier effect'”: one dollar spent at a locally-owned business will return five times that amount within the community through city taxes, employees’ wages, and purchase of materials and supplies at other independent businesses.” (www.corvalisiba.org)

It’s too late for KidsTravelHappy, LLC but not too late for other Bethel area small independent businesses.

Tracyn Thayer

KidsTravelHappy owner