Difficult times require creative thinking, that's why Semplice co-owner, Kelly DelRosso has organized The Committee To Keep Montclair Small Business Alive, just in sync with the holidays. "Retail is facing the stormiest shopping season ever, and we're not getting any bailout," says DelRosso.
"Shopping local is one of the most energy-efficient, heart-warming, and self-sustaining contributions you can make to your community," says DelRosso. To encourage Baristaville to spend their shopping dollars locally, DelRosso created a website, shoplocalmontclair.com where you can go on a weekly, no, daily basis to find great savings, sales, and special bargains, events, weblinks, and shopping hours at the participating stores.
The more the merrier - any business can join, and as of today, there are 27 participants. For some stores, it means committing to their first ever pre-holiday sale. So surprises are in store...Kudos to Kelly for this grass-roots initiative!
Comments (19)
Semplice is one of the best boutiques in MTC. It's so much more satisfying to shop so close to home instead of trekking to the mausoleum malls.
There is no parking in front of Semplice
Love their soaps--also a great selection at Chelsea Square, if you're on the other side of town.
I bought a great bag from them last week ....love that store.
Great store, and family who run it....the local shopping idea is just what the community needs.
And, there is plenty of parking..the deck behind Church St., and around any of the side streets.
Happy Shoppping Holidays to All.
Way to go, Kelly--it's great to see someone taking positive action. Really nice design on the site, too!
I do my holiday shopping at local retailers every year; can't imagine going the mall route.
getaclue, I don't drive so I am personally unconcerned about that.
What happened Getaclue? You were dead on with your comments on the Wellmont parking - do you really expect to get a spot right in front? Lots of parking in the area - then you can walk by the other fabulous shops!
LOVE LOVE LOVE Semplice :0
Kelly you are brillant. What a great idea and awesome site.
Thanks to all the merchants for passing along the sweet deals. This defintely puts a nice feel on the holiday season. I plan on doing all my shopping locally . Oh and when I need to refuel, Ill head to my fave breakfast/lunch spot TOAST!!
just curious...was being tongue in cheek, i do all my shopping in montclair, and am not concerned about parking, semplice is a great shop...
Semplice is really great. I go in there sometimes and wish that my home was twice the size, just so I could get some of those great, clean home accessories.
Another one of my favorites is Parcel. Every time I go in there, I find something new to look at. That store makes me wish that my home was just one room bigger, so I could have a magical, quirky, beautiful room of fun and wonder. The entire store is small enough to fit in one room, no?
I like how Lotus Yoga and Raymond's encourage you to visit them after you do your shopping at other stores.
This is a good way for these businesses to stick together! Hopefully this initiative will diminish the impact of the Wellmont trailers...
oh the holiday spirit...glad to see everyone is finally getting a clue on how to keep a great town great rather than fighting over who sucks more
HA! I am the queen of cynical--and I was wondering what that little sign was in Tory Janes...I get it now. GOOD idea. Considering all that have gone out of biz..Kawayan is going in a few weeks, Prima is gone, Spice shop, etc etc...ITS good to shop local on the special items you might want to buy as gifty-poos. I had trekked downtown after work one night to get this crazy special vase from ABC Carpet and Home for my aunt. UMMM they had a very similar one at Semplice. I had always found GREAT gift items there--no idea why I have strayed. This year I will stay local as well for those type of gifts...gifts for people I like!!! :)
The Montclair Times also reported on a similar campaign being launched throughout the rest of town - "Shop Montclair" I think it is called.
Sadly, the Basket and the Bean is also closing, I heard today.
Getaclue - sorry about that! - maybe I need to clue into tounge in cheek - glad you shop locally! Thanks for setting me straight! :)
Kawayan is leaving??
KatebirdRex---yep Kawayan is closing for good on 12/23. Maureen was in bis 7 years and is closing up shop--letters were sent to people on her mailing list. The way business is changing, and shes had a couple of life changes recently--shes decided to move on. I have to admit--I havent shopped as much lately locally for clothing--if I find something on sale at Ruby, fine--there is just so much off price merchandise at Century 21, Fox's, Bloomies--at times its self preservation. All that being said--sorry to see the store go. It was one of the things that made Walnut street nice and special!
Dang, I really like their stuff! I haven't been doing a lot of clothes shopping lately either. I will stop in before they close up in December.