General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsVentured out to the watch repair shop
We are in Phase I of reopening and I have two watches needing battery replacement and a new one needing bracelet links removed. This type of service was deemed nonessential and could reopen only after last Friday. So, complete with my mask and gloves, I took my stuff to the shop today.
I told the owner I was happy to see him open again. He replied, I am so happy to see YOU! It has been so hard to be closed so long. I was going crazy at home. It made me wish I had more business to bring him.
Earlier I took a jacket to the dry cleaner, who was considered essential but had a steep drop in business. I let him yell at me for being messy and spilling something on the jacket. We had a laugh.
For those of us fortunate enough to be able to work from home with little risk, its good to remember how much better we have it than some others and that its hard for others not only economically but psychologically. If you can afford to and can do so safely, please take your business back to small business owners when you can. The watch shop is in a mall and probably 90 % of the stores are still closed, so you know the business badly wanted/needed to reopen, and you probably have some very similarly situated places near you.
Skittles
(153,197 posts)and I am trying to support local businesses; for example, I get takeout from restaurants and when I pick up the food I tip the same as if I had dined in.
spooky3
(34,483 posts)Skittles
(153,197 posts)lots of folk hurting out there and they really need the help
spooky3
(34,483 posts)Ohiogal
(32,091 posts)A portion of our stimulus check
Throckmorton
(3,579 posts)I have been bringing about $100.00 a week worth of food to the soup kitchen i volunteer at. Our daily meal volume is up by 250% since March 9th.
Skittles
(153,197 posts)I thought, wow, they've never done that before. I have always donated regularly but am stepping it up now.
Throckmorton
(3,579 posts)The need is so great, I have been volunteering for almost 20 years, and I have never seen such hunger.
Many of our visitors work in the underground economy, no checks for them.
Thank you again,
Throckmorton
Boxerfan
(2,533 posts)I collect / work on older mechanical watches as a hobby. And trying to get my kids or their friends interested is a yawn-nope. Seems the phone has replaced the watch for a younger generation. Not all of 'em but a majority.
So I'm sure he's very thankful for your patronage.
spooky3
(34,483 posts)He may have had the same experience as you.
Apple watches have also made a dent, for those who wear watches. I love my Apple products, but maybe am too stubborn to replace my mechanical watches.