We must move forward, together

As a business owner for over 26 years in the town, I have never seen so much bullying and shameful behaviour as has happened recently.

I truly believe it’s time to focus on how can we move forward and make this right.

As business owners asked our opinion, I’m sure most of us felt that by offering it on a street closure, there would be no effect on the final decision anyway. That’s probably why there were only 10 submissions on this matter.

After so many years in business, I have seen a lot and heard a lot. Over the years, there have been many street closures with no notice and ones that seemed to go on forever. Yes, they cause lost sales. Personally, many of my customers call to find out if there is parking available. If not, they wait until another day. I have customers that walk in off the street and say, “Oh, how long have you been here? I usually avoid downtown.”

Several years ago, we, as business owners, got together to do a promotion for downtown. The town was very supportive. When we reached out to the market, they were not. Needless to say, we were very disappointed and moved on. Upon reviewing our minutes for that time, I personally was questioned this week as to the authenticity of that information. As secretary for several organizations, I questioned myself on honesty and integrity. Why would we not want to work with the market? Aren’t they supposed to be part of downtown?

The street closure in question would have brought “window shoppers.” Would they return? Do they usually avoid downtown? Most retail outlets close at 5 p.m. in the downtown area. Did you really expect them to stay open on a Saturday evening when they have a family at home and have already worked six long days to put food on the table? These are the facts that should have been considered before people on social media shamed all the businesses, portraying them as monsters.

There are so many ways to fix this problem. Shop downtown; discover the wonderful, unique stores that have “chosen” to provide you with wonderful customer service ... Shop local.

Moving on in situations like this, the key is to find a way to work with everyone. Sure, there are going to be the naysayers, but everyone is entitled to their opinion and it doesn’t make anyone wrong.

It is hurtful to do so, and no one deserves that.

Lisa Potts, Owner/operator

Fashions by Lisa