Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Back In The Saddle Again, Redoux

Hi, there, friends, we're finally back to keeping this blog up, after moving and getting things set up in our new store!  In case you haven't heard, we found a sweet little storefront on Fair Oaks Avenue that we just love.  We've also taken advantage of the move to re-brand the store, so we're now called "Hoopla! An Emporium Of Good Things".  Although our name has changed, our core mission has not, and this move has only intensified our endeavors to highlight the many local artists, makers, and entrepreneurs our area has to offer!

That said, as I was perusing Facebook a bit earlier, I ran across this post from our friend, Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doctor, and felt it was something important enough for me to copy whole and post here.  This is a subject that I'm pretty sure you know is very intregal to our core mission, and I couldn't be happier that someone else thinks the same way!  I love that Bob says to commit to step it up (instead of leaning in), I love that he stresses communication, and I just adore that he asks that we build a better world.  We can do that, you know. 

How A Retail Store Can Change The World

I believe the lack of service, of compassion and interest in retail are symptoms of a larger problem in our world.

I believe:
People are feeling more and more isolated.
Less noticed.
Less validated.
More intolerant.
More judgmental.

I believe we can change the world, and that we must start with the world of retail, by changing the attitudes of people… on both sides of the sales counter.


To that end, I believe that the human voice is the most precious possession we own.
When we don’t develop our own voice or when we stifle ourselves, we cut off the very lifeline to our souls.
And that’s at the heart of why we feel so isolated…

It’s not retail’s fault that things are the way they are.

It’s just easier to see it in a retail store. But we can change that.
No, we must change that.

Will you join me?
Let’s build a better world…
Let’s commit to step it up.
To act like kids again and be curious.
To say “Good morning” to a stranger, just because.

Let’s smile more and complain less.
Let’s show respect, even if they’re younger.
Let’s find a way to help everyone find home again.
Let’s put the words whatever, had to, no problem and couldn’t on the curb with the garbage.
Let’s give up the cynicism, the CNN, and the feeling of numbness that grips us as our own lives drip away like candle wax.
Let’s put the smartphone in the kitchen, instead of by the bedside.
Let’s open our hearts to being alive; to being human beings again.
Let’s trust it will all work out.
Let’s stop categorizing and sharing our woes
As if that was normal conversation.

‘Cause truth be told, it is a fairly wonderful life.


Let’s find a way to change our own day.
And someone else’s.

Before the to-do lists, the Starbucks run, and the text updates,
Let’s carve enough time to just be grateful.
To notice our own voice,
Our own lives,
Our very own selves.

Then let’s notice others
With courtesy
With smiles
With positive comments.

In your office…
In the elevator…
In a store …
On a phone…
Crossing the street…
Or standing in a line.

With a customer…
With an employee…
With an intern…
With your boss…
We all need compassion.

It won’t be easy because most of the world, like much of retail is stuck.

We need you to do your best.
For your family.
Your co-workers.
Your community.
Our very world.

And when we commit to this as individuals working in retail,
We build a better world.
And whether you work in a retail store or you shop in one,

Will you join me?



I suppose Scott and I joined long ago.  On this election day, we'll ask you to join us, too - let's all step it up!
We'll talk with you again soon,

Lori and Scott Webster

4 comments:

Ann Erdman said...

I didn't realize you were blogging again! That's great.

Unknown said...

Thank you, Ann!

delmarva said...

One of the best blog posts I have read. Very inspirational to see how you speak effortlessly about something so simple, and yet they are issues that bog us down. Thanks for posting.

Unknown said...

Thank you, Andrea!