It’s just one small piece of anecdotal evidence, but it seems that our Shop Ypsi for the Holidays campaign may actually be making a difference and bringing people into local stores. I just received the following note from Paul, the owner of The Rocket:
Mark,
The article that appeared today in the Ann Arbor News, “Help the economy – Shop Ypsi” has made an impact on at least one person. A shopper came into The Rocket this morning and mentioned that the reason she was in was because of reading the article. She was unaware of how her buying habits could affect the local economy by not utilizing local businesses. She is going to make every effort to support stores that impact the community and it’s welfare. This, to me, is a success story in how a group such as “Shop Ypsi” can educate the general population one mind at a time. Thank you to all that are laboring over this. I appreciate your efforts and let’s strive for continued success.
Thanks again,
Paul
And let’s remember, this entire campaign only cost $500. It’s absolutely amazing what you can get done with a good idea, and a team of motivated, talented people who care about an issue. It’s really phenomenal what we’ve been able to accomplish in a relatively short period of time, and it’s incredibly gratifying to hear from at least one storeowner that we’re already making a difference. (I suspect for every one person we hear about, there are at least ten more out that that we aren’t.) Everyone who contributed to this project should be very proud.
10 Comments
Here’s a link to the article Paul referenced.
And, before the Anonomatt kicks in to yell at me, I’d like to point out that Paul’s letter was reprinted here with his permission.
i for one appreciate, admire, and respect new store owners like paul who take the risk and do a damn good job at turning their dreams and plans into a reality. i know it inspires me, and makes me proud! thanks to all of you!
I heard from Peter that he heard from Dave at U-Brew that they’ve already received 6 orders for gift baskets including beer, coffee, and cheese (a gift idea featured in the article)! Looks like things are taking off! I wonder if it would be appropriate / acceptable to have the Shop Ypsi brochures available at the Holiday Home Tour sites? I will be volunteering, and can ask if it would be ok.
Did Paul, or any of the other businesses, even notice the mystery shopper was just Mark wearing a unicorn head?
That unicorn the other day was a mystery shopper? Oh man, I am Soooooooo screwed.
I draw the buy local line at wine. I like to imagine that my grapes are being crushed beneath the feet of beautiful young Italian women, not the people I see walking the streets of Ypsi. The thought of their feet makes me throw up in my mouth.
Wow, it must be nice to have Jordan Miller on call as your personal press secretary. What kind of blackmail material do you have on her? When can we expect her article on severed unicorn heads?
Gary, As the vintner at the local winery I can assure you that the prostitutes that stomp our grapes are all health department certified.
With my tongue firmly in my cheek I say, Gary, it’s attitudes like yours that keep prostitutes from getting and keeping legit work. tsk tsk
Dave, I salute your effort to offer employment opportunities to our local prostitutes.
I urge every reader here to support Dave’s program by buying a bottle of Ypsi wine today.
New motto idea!
Ypsi, keeping hookers off their backs and on their feet!
I too was reluctant to buy local wine, but seeing as how Mr. French has demonstrated such a fine sense of humor here, I think I’ll add a bottle to my shopping list.