The next two months will determine the face of downtown Iola.
That’s when the bulk of holiday shopping will occur. If it’s healthy, existing retailers can breathe a sigh of relief.
Most shoppers don’t think their purchases can make much difference. But collectively, those $25 scarves or $50 jeans add up.
Of course nothing falls flatter than a pancake than to urge locals to shop at home. That’s like Mom telling you to eat your okra, while you just know your friends are dining on tater tots.
The food, the shopping, the weather, are always better somewhere else.
Online shopping is also an enemy of shop owners, particularly of clothing, books and electronics.
And while there’s no arguing the convenience of shopping from home, what’s sorely lacking is the human interaction, and, news alert, how that face-to-face contact is good for you.
Example:
“Good morning! Brrrr, it’s a cold one today. Thanks so much for coming in. Is there anything I can help you with?”
Or, “Yes, that’s a pretty green, but not really your color. Instead of the olive, try the Kelly green. See how it perks up your complexion?”
Now that’s a friend.
TO A ONE, Iola merchants have hopes and dreams the Iola square will one day be chock full of retailers and businesses, drawing people from far and wide.
But first, they need to make it through the year.
— Susan Lynn
