An update from Kylie - August 2024
As I write this, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the incredible support you’ve shown my small shop over the years and through these trying times. I want to take a moment to share a bit my journey and extend a heartfelt thank you for standing by me.
The past few years have been incredibly tough for me on both personal and professional fronts. I’ve been battling some health issues that have made it incredibly challenging to manage the shop as I once did. Running a small business is no easy feat under the best of circumstances. Managing the business alone while grappling with health issues and trying to get through the most economically challenging years I have faced in business at a time when I haven’t had the energy or focus to dedicate has really taken a toll. Despite the difficulties, I have tried my best to keep our doors open.
Whilst I don’t spend as much time in the store these days it fills me with joy when I do to see the faces of customers who have been shopping with me over many years and are still continuing to support my little store and also hearing all the kind words from people about how much they love AQOF. Each visit, every purchase, and all the kind words of encouragement have really have kept me going through the last few incredibly difficult years.
I appreciate times are difficult for everyone at the moment, the challenges of recent years have hit us all hard and the struggles are deeply felt. In response to these tough conditions, I’ve worked to offer more sales and discounts than usual to help make our products more affordable without straining your budget.
As a local, community-focused business, my goal has always been to support as many other local and small businesses as possible even if this has come at the expense of being able to make more profit as a business. Every purchase you make not only impacts me and my small shop directly but also supports the many other small, local businesses whose products we proudly carry. The ripple effect of your support helps keep our local economy vibrant and ensures that more of your dollars stay within our community fostering independent and creative businesses.
Over the coming months and especially as we approach the holiday season and the Black Friday frenzy, I urge you to keep small businesses at the forefront of your mind. Unlike large chain stores that are still making a profit, albeit reduced, small businesses are struggling. Every day, small businesses are closing as owners, drained mentally and financially, have exhausted all options to stay afloat. It’s heartbreaking to see the immense physical, emotional, and financial investment these small business owners make, only to lose everything.
Your thoughtful purchases from local shops like mine not only support business owners individually but also strengthen our community. Each item you buy helps keep our local economy vibrant and promotes independent retail. Although we may not be able to match chain store prices due to the smaller margins we operate on, we often offer higher quality products that are better for you and the planet. Shopping with us supports local makers, fosters sustainability and ethics, and boosts other local industries.
I ask, if you love a small business, continue to support them outside of sale periods when possible. Full-priced sales are essential for a small business to be sustainable while consistently buying only on sale jeopardises their ability to survive. As much as possible, choose small and local to ensure these businesses remain a part of our community for years to come.
As Vivienne Westwood said, “Buy less, choose well, make it last.”
Your continued support is crucial to our survival and that of other small businesses.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Shop with Us: Every purchase makes a difference. By choosing to shop at our store, you’re helping not only us stay in business but you’re also supporting other local enterprises.
2. Spread the Word: Share your positive experiences with friends, family, and neighbours. Your recommendations help us reach new customers and bolster our community. If you love a small business, jump online and give them a great review!
3. Engage and Connect: Follow us on social media, join our mailing list, and stay updated with our latest news and promotions. Your engagement helps us maintain a strong community connection.
4. Share Your Feedback: If you have suggestions or specific needs, please let us know. Your input helps us better serve you and improve our offerings. Kylie is always keeping an eye out for products customers have requested.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support and belief in my small shop. While I wish I could be more present in-store, please know I still here and am working diligently from home to keep my store running smoothly and to the best of my abilities.
Warmest thanks,
Kylie
