EDITOR’S NOTE: This is Part II of a 4-part series dedicated to helping our local small businesses bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic through shopping local. The first installment was published on Nov. 17. Future installments will publish on Dec. 5 and Dec. 15.
MANSFIELD — Jeff Delianides, Donnie Clark and Chris Troupe are just like your family members this holiday weekend.
They have done a ton of preparation and they, like countless other small business owners, are anxious to see you.
Owners of Crowe’s Shoes, Elzy Milling & Trade and The Boot Life, respectively, the trio is ready for a bright holiday shopping season, including Small Business Saturday.
It’s a scene that will be re-enacted throughout Mansfield and Richland County this weekend and beyond at many area small businesses offering products and services.
“Small businesses are stocked up and ready for customers this weekend,” said Jennifer Kime, CEO of Downtown Mansfield Inc. “Many of them have been planning inventory for months, so now is a great time to have access to the best selections.
“Our business community has a long history of creative innovation and they have been preparing for this,” Kime said.
With a global supply chain in distress and mailing/shipping by the holidays a potentially risky bet, in-person shopping at a locally owned business is easily the best bet this weekend and even beyond.
“We are well stocked,” said Clark, “and most of my associates with whom I have had conversations, other small retailers, are as well. It’s the nature of small businesses that we are imminently more maneuverable in anticipating trends and supply chain problems.
“While everyone has had problems, small business who sensed it coming have already responded,” said the Bellville business owner, who launched his 25 E. Ogle St. business in 2011.
It’s the same story at The Boot Life at 36 W. 4th St. in downtown Mansfield.
“We do have good inventory currently,” said Troupe, whose business recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. “We are ready for the weekend. It’s always a fun time for us to catch up with customers who may only come in a few times a year.
“They think of us (for holiday shopping) and we really appreciate that.”
Delianides, whose family-owned business at 56 N. Main St. in Mansfield has been in operation since 1936, suggests residents start early in the holiday shopping season.
“We have a good stock right now,” he said, admitting that global supply chain issues have created some issues. “It’s the replenishment that’s been tough. We have had to adopt a whole different mindset. But so far, so good.
“People should shop early,” Delianides said. “You don’t want to walk in a week before Christmas looking for that one specific item. It likely won’t be there.”
The importance of “Shop Small” and “Shop Local” are more important than ever as the local economy continues to emerge from the shutdowns and slowdowns imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The effort to help residents overcome supply chain woes and issues while benefitting local retailers is a significant impetus behind the local marketing campaign being pushed by the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development.
“I certainly think those things are important as people consider their holiday shopping,” said Jodie Perry, chamber president and CEO.
“The supply chain challenges are definitely impacting businesses of all sizes. I think this would be a great year to ‘seize the moment’ when you see that perfect gift instead of procrastinating until later in the season,” Perry said.
In addition to the benefit and ease of shopping at local retail outlets, shoppers may also have the chance to buy locally produced items — and experience quality service.
“Many of these items are hand-chosen, quantity items and if you ever need further assistance or have questions with your purchase, you can be confident in your ability to reach the owner,” Kime said.
It’s a sentiment echoed by Clark, who stressed the quality found in local stories.
“It’s not an empty statement to say local sales tax dollars are impactfully more beneficial to the community, almost exponentially,” Clark said. “And the quality is the driver of most successful small business. Most customers cite quality as the lead sales point.
“You never see anything mass produced appearing on ‘The Antique Road Show.’ We are going for quality,” he said.
Pandemic or not, Clark said he could feel a shift toward buying local in recent years.
“People have been consciously choosing quality over just a straight price point. When COVID hit and the supply chain (suffered), with efforts like the Chamber is driving, you can get a quality product at a good and fair price,” Clark said.
Troupe said the quality of products — and service — are keys to The Boot Life’s success, as well as just the downtown experience.
“Service is definitely our key,” he said. “We get people from out of town who come into our place while visiting family here. They love to come downtown. They walk in a cup of coffee from Relax and shop with us. We love it.”
And unlike ordering online and crossing your fingers that Amazon will find a way to get it it to you on time, shopping local and shopping small means your money stays in Mansfield, Shelby, Bellville, Lexington and throughout Richland County.
“This is a great year to help boost local small businesses that have been particularly impacted by the pandemic,” Perry said.
“These small business owners are the ones who are often supporting local sports teams, serving on nonprofit boards, and doing other volunteer activities.
“We are encouraging all residents to consider keeping a significant portion of their holiday shopping local especially this year,” Perry said.
