Monthly Archives: April 2012

SHOP for the CAUSE

It’s nice when a town can rally around a cause.  But which one?  Did you know there are over 200 nonprofit groups in this zip code alone?  Really.  As a small retailer it’s difficult to support them all.  So a few years ago a couple of retailers started SHOP FOR THE CAUSE.  Your charity picks a day to shop and a percentage of the proceeds go the charity.  It’s good for all…good for the charity, good for the retailer…and good for the shopper.  It’s good to give.

So this Thursday is another shop for the cause; for the American Cancer Society.  It’s called Purple Heals – Sip, Shop & Dine.  And it will be easy to spot the participants because they will have purple balloons, purple bags, purple ribbons, and maybe even purple paper dresses in their windows.  And not just retail shops, but restaurants, coffee shops, photographers, and real estate agents; basically most of Barrington.  So if you don’t have any plans for Thursday night…SHOP 60010.  We’re keeping the lights on for you…for the American Cancer Society.  At least until 8pm…

A conflicted heart…

I worked at Angelina in 2004.  I wanted to get a sense of the support from the Barrington community before opening TT Patton.  Angie, the owner at the time, hired me as the Sunday girl.  Many people would enjoy breakfast at Egg Harbor Cafe or frequent Starbucks on the corner and then shop Angelina.  It was fun getting to know the community.  So, Happy Birthday Angelina!  And Katie you’re a blast as a neighbor!

Many of you know TT Patton opened at the Ice House Mall.  The day of my grand opening, the owners of Barrington Home Shoppe (then the Canterbury Shoppe) brought me a gift to welcome me to business.  It’s funny how small, yet meaningful, gestures stay in your memory.  So when I learned the Barrington Home Shoppe is closing their doors, I was…, well…, just sad.  As a fellow business owner you want to see every business around you succeed.  And especially as a resident of this community, I personally want my downtown to be a vibrant place for me to frequent and shop.

So that’s why my heart’s conflicted.  I’m happy to see shops celebrate birthdays, and sad that some of the retail institutions of this town are saying goodbye.  Consider this an appeal letter…not for donations…for you to support ALL of the Barrington businesses.  Boarded up windows isn’t a good look for any town!