Choosing to Support Local Greenwich Businesses

To the editor:

Our country’s new-found focus on thrift and savings has been a long time coming. American rates of saving and personal leverage have long been a concern, and much of the current economic situation is clearly a correction from past excesses. As such, those of us who are more prudently examining how we spend and save are to be commended.

However, I want to point out a phenomenon that is developing: Frugality has become as chic as being green. In the long term, improved savings rates should be very good for our economy; yet it is very important that we keep in mind the welfare of our local business owners when we curtail the use of their goods and services.

The point I am making is not targeted at those of us who are prudently changing spending patterns to weather the uncertain economic future. Rather, I am simply encouraging all of us to consider what may happen to our local business owners — especially when we are displaying frugality for appearances instead of necessity. A few examples might help clarify this subtle argument.

If you send out birthday invitations for your young child and request “no gifts,” remember the impact on local book stores or the Fun House in Old Greenwich. When you order a book from Amazon, ask yourself if you could get the same book at Just Books even if it costs a few dollars more. If you are scaling back on your use of help around the house (landscaping, housekeeping, etc.) remember how hard it will be for these service providers to get by without your support.

Also, when you have options, choose the local business. Choose Arcadia, the Drawing Room or the Olive Branch instead of Starbucks. Get your next burger at Joey B’s or Garden Catering instead of McDonald’s. You have your own local favorites, and they all need our support now more than ever.

I am fiscally conservative and believe whole-heartedly in capitalism and survival of the fittest when it comes to business. Nevertheless, I love our community and the benefits we receive from our local merchants, and we can all help ensure their survival with very little effort.