Westfield Student Tells How To Help Local Shops In Hard Times

WESTFIELD, NJ — Jordyn Ives is a junior at Westfield High School who has worked with local businesses. She submitted the below story to Patch to get across an important message: "This holiday business is crucial to the survival of the town and can provide the income that shops will need to survive this pandemic. I hope that my message can persuade at least one person to shop local this holiday season and save our businesses."

In the piece, several local business owners tell their story.

Here's How You Can Help Westfield Businesses Hit Hard by Coronavirus

By Jordyn Ives

While coronavirus has tremendously impacted every aspect of the economy and daily life, it has hit small businesses especially hard. Businesses are struggling across the country as people are stuck at home. As ecommerce sales have skyrocketed, small shops and downtowns have seen record low foot traffic, causing sales to be minimal and the future to be something not yet known.

But as holiday time approaches, the next six weeks will prove to be crucial for Downtown Westfield retailers, and will make or break their survival.

Businesses are relying on this holiday season to get them through this incredibly difficult time, and it is up to the community to pull through and support the stores that are the heart of Westfield. Our local businesses have done so much, so now it’s time to return the favor and help Downtown Westfield retailers stay a vibrant part of the community.

Some of Westfield’s shops have been around for over 80 years.

Town Book Store keeps shopping safe

The Town Book Store is one such business. Proud to be one of the last independent book stores in Union County, the store has been around since 1934 and has had its fair share of ups and downs. Coronavirus has posed to be a large challenge for The Town Book Store, and the possibility of overcoming this pandemic hangs in the air.

Owner Anne Laird emphasizes the need for a successful holiday season for her business, and how crucial these next few weeks are.

"Ordinarily, we depend very heavily on the sales we make during the holiday season to get us through the rest of the year," she said. "In a year like this however, your support through these next few months will be even more critical for us than usual.”

While shoppers are definitely hesitant to go inside stores due to rising cases, Laird assures that the bookstore makes sure picking out gifts is completely safe.

Shoppers can opt to go inside, or can choose to do curbside pickup instead. The Town Book Store offers stocking stuffers, toys, and books for all ages, Laird said, and they also can order whatever a customer wants, with no shipping charges.

In addition, the rise of e-commerce has been detrimental for businesses, so coupled with the pandemic, it makes survival even harder. Ordering a package on Amazon may be easier, but it cannot compensate for the level of customer service and care that one can receive from a small business.

Savory Spice Shop pays attention to detail

Marty Silverman of the Savory Spice Shop emphasizes the importance of local shopping: “Shopping locally gives a level of personal service you can't get online. Our staff members love sharing their experience and knowledge.”

It is the level of detail and care that makes local retailers unique. Owners are truly passionate about their products and can provide customers with genuine suggestions and advice, more so than any review can.

Coffee Roastery: Relationships matter

Ahrre Maros of Ahrre's Coffee Roastery said, “When you need to count on someone, you usually choose family. In that same way, when you need to count on quality customer service, your relationships with local merchants will insure the best satisfaction. So, shop local this holiday season. Your local merchants are your extended family!"

Matos' business is celebrating its 30th anniversary and hopes to see many more years in Downtown Westfield.

To ensure that shops like Ahrre’s Coffee Roastery can have a future, the Downtown Westfield corporation has unveiled a variety of initiatives that will give businesses the support to survive the pandemic.

Downtown initiatives

Recently, they have received a grant of 70,000 that will go towards making this holiday season as successful as it can be for the town. The grant will give businesses the ability to offer free delivery and curbside pickup, making shopping local as convenient as ever.

Town will be decorated for the holidays too, as a means to draw customers and brighten people’s days.

As Miriam Verga of Mimi and Hill said, “What would Westfield be without its downtown: it is its backbone. Neighbors helping neighbors ― friends helping friends, and it's time to show up for each other.”

It’s time to step up and help the businesses this holiday season, for the good of the community, local economy and Westfield as a whole.

A local purchase is not just commerce during this time; it represents commitment and dedication to a vibrant future of Downtown Westfield. Every dollar counts, every visit to a shop is one step closer to getting Westfield through the pandemic.

Recognize the fragility of this situation, and shop local.

Read Patch coverage of the grant for Westfield businesses here.

Jordyn Ives is a junior at Westfield High School. Got comments? Leave them below. Got news? Email caren.lissner@Patch.com.

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