As power outages continue, much of Moore County’s retail businesses remain dark during what should be the busiest shopping season of the year. Owners are experiencing heartbreak and hope as they continue without power for the third consecutive day. Here’s what they have to say:
From Downtown Southern Pines:
Ashley Tramontin, owner of Against the Grain Shoppe: “I am optimistic this is temporary and, like COVID, we will bounce back. In the meantime, there are ways to support small business. Purchase a gift card, visit once things are back to normal, shop online. Our store is closed but our website is open. The one of a kind things aren’t online for stores like us. I say all the time we live in a bubble, but this bubble is so supportive and the way everyone is rallying is special— whether it’s a coffee, or pancake breakfast at The Growler, or a place to read a book in warmth.”
Ivory Whitley, Spoonlickers Catering: “It means added stress, extensive planning and rescheduling. I think the best way to support small business is to be understanding and give the most grace possible. So far, everyone has been understanding and working together very well. We did have access to a generator to keep a refrigerator long enough for proper storage. We worked with another business outside of Moore County to get our frozen goods there.”
Katrin Franklin, Bump and Baby Pinehurst: “I think the question is how can we support the community when we can? I saw Red Bowl was giving away free food, other small businesses are providing shelters and are getting creative in ways to support the community. I think that is at the heart of small business owners. We saw this during COVID — people being really kind, graceful and patient — and I expect to see that again.”
Sanna Nassar, at DAHR and Furniture in the Pines: “I wish one of our locations had power, and I could actually feel like I’m at least doing something. How ridiculous and sad our situation is not only for small businesses, families but the elderly along with people who suffer from anxiety! Day 3 — I’m thankful we are fortunate enough, that a few days [without power] won’t take food away from my kids, but that’s not the case for everyone. And it’s terrible.”
Leslie Habets, at Jack Hadden and Lily Rose: “Both stores are technically currently closed but as soon as power returns, we’ll be back. For Jack Hadden, we took out all deliveries we had, cut flowers with limited crew in the dark and made sure we were available if anyone needed anything while we were out, like checking on a loved one. This is one of the busiest times of the year, especially for retail and flower shops. December is “insurance” for small businesses. I hope when the power is back on, people come back, rally, support local and support small.”
Crystal Brown, of Marie and Marcelle Boutique: “I’m more concerned about people who do not have essential things. This will impact my business big time, but I’m trying to look at the bigger picture and think of those who are already struggling and don’t have what they need. What is this doing to those who wouldn’t have the extra funds to go out and spend money to put food on the table? We want to focus less of what we’re losing and more of what people are going through. My store is closed, but I have two working hands to help.”
