The question that most people have been asking me — concerningly, pressingly, optimistically, repeatedly — is how are our businesses doing this holiday season? As a representative and steward for hundreds of varying businesses and a diverse group of owners, I am grateful for people asking. I feel like I have been writing this column and many of you have been reading it long enough that the mission of Main Street Monroe and the many facets of our work are noticeable in each one. With Christmas just days away, it is both easier and harder than ever to convey that and answer that question.
Typically, at this point in the year, our efforts are on cruise control. The downtown retail promotion —Rockin’ Around the Downtown Square — would be winding down. Our Lighted Christmas parade would have occurred three weeks ago. Trunk or Treat, Cars shows, Concerts, Wine Walks — all of our many events would be wonderful memories. And it’s easy to ruminate, continuously, on that. Just as it is on the family we may not be seeing, uneasiness over family still wanting to get together, unpaid bills, and the realization that the first part of 2021 probably won’t look too different than the last few months. Lousy is an understatement for all of that. Anxiety is ever present.
And, yet, in spite of, and because of all of that, there is a clarity and appreciation. There have blissful moments to be found only in the present. Purchasing gifts as you think of giving them to a loved one, catching the first proper snowfall and noticing how it outlines the trees and buildings like never before or when your dad’s favorite Christmas song plays from the courthouse. We are especially proud to have brought so many moments to 2020. Our retail promotion was extended by weeks and will continue through the 31st. Through grants, we were able to purchase additional decorations and still light the tree on the courthouse lawn to make our nights a little brighter and merrier. And the music plays longer.
But back to that original question: The small business crisis happening across the country is prolonged and uneven and nowhere is exempt from it. The concerns and unanswered questions exist for everyone. But the most prevailing emotion is gratitude. Our shop owners, and I, are grateful for the support that has been shown this year. Underneath the glitter and tinsel and wrapping paper, you haven’t forgotten about the meaning of Christmas. The anxiety and uncertainty have made it easier than ever this year to lose the true meaning, to lose sight of things, to not be present in the moments. But this season, which reminds us to be generous of spirit, has been a little longer and brighter than normal. Shopping is less harried. Extended shopping hours (over 30 businesses are open tomorrow) have meant we can avoid the crowds, not worry about backordered items, and take a bit of time.
I believe strongly that we need our community to be a place we want to live. As you shop local this year, you learn more about and really become part of the community. And shops have noticed. It is humbling to be an organization that businesses have turned to for relief and creativity as we all navigate 2020. We have created additional moments (of escape and clarity) through our LIVE! shopping sessions. Personalities have shown through brighter than ever, and whether you made a purchase through us, in store after, or simply watched for the entertainment and to have something a bit normal for a moment, we thank you. I’m also willing to bet you have discovered more about what each business has to offer than you might have expected. Our most recent LIVES! (since October) have had 35,000 organic views. For us, these moments have become linked together and have largely defined our year. Our final LIVE! of the year is tomorrow night at Rainbow Confections at 7 p.m. on our Facebook page.
No matter how you celebrate, whether it’s different this year or not, I want to wish you a very merry Christmas and a blessed New Year filled with moments of joy wherever you can find them.
— Jordan Nordby is the executive director for Main Street Monroe. He can be reached at MonroeMainStreet@tds.net. complete details on Main Street Monroe and its efforts can be found at mainstreetmonroe.org.
