SHOP LOCAL

I hope you will take a moment to let me sincerely thank you for your support for my little store erba bath and body. In trying times like these, it makes one in retail be reminded how lucky we are to have true and loyal customers like you behind us.

We have always appreciated your kind words about erba, and your continued support-- it makes it all worth while.

Please keep in mind, that when you shop independent retailers in your local community you not only are helping to sustain a unique shopping experience but also helping your local community overall. Studies show that when you shop local stores like ours, $ .64 of every dollar you spend comes right back into your local community. When you shop at big box corporate shops (like Target, Nordstroms, Walmart) ONLY $ .14 cents on the dollar is reinvested in the local economy. That's a big jump!

I personally do my best to SHOP LOCAL! I do not want to see any San Clemente or other independent businesses with closed doors posting signs on them "out of business." I think about how I would feel walking down Main street viewing stores closed down. I do not think it would make me feel too good in any way, irrespective of whether erba was one of the economic victims or not.

We all have to get through this together... and let's face it, things are tight for most of us. I hope what you might take away from this is a simple nudge to remember that when you do shop, do your best to support the local shops who's businesses we all love, find unique, and help support the folks that live right here in town.

Please shop LOCAL! Please eat LOCAL! Please use Local services, whenever you can. Forget the big guys for now- they have corporate money behind them and can handle this down turn!

We'll...that's me on my soapbox. If you know me you will know that this nudge is not solely about hoping you will shop at erba, but ALL local stores in whatever area you live.

Again, we are grateful that you are our customer and your loyalty to erba has never been taken for granted. Peace be with you! Remember... everything will be OK! And as Obama says, remember to choose hope over fear! I know I have in my continued battle with breast cancer- and that hope gets me through day by day.

Thank you for reading.
Lisa Rodarti
Erba bath and body, san clemente

PS. We won two new awards- SILVER- best Jewelry in San Clemente, and SILVER - best place to find the PERFECT gift! Thanks for your votes!!! Lisa