The definition of community is : 'a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.'
Hip Stitch has been struggling for a few months, and we've been reluctant to share this publically. Why?
"No one wants to hear our woes."
"We're known as the happy, fun quilt store. Let's keep that persona."
"It's hard to show vulnerability. Folks will think the store is failing."
"It'll just give fodder for some people to gleefully spread rumors,"
Yes, those are all things that have been ruminating about in our heads, and discussed, as we decided how to proceed. Not for the 1st time, the thought of "it's time to close" went through my head. As a small business owner, and one who is coming out of the pandemic, I know I'm not alone.
Prices have, and continue to go up: shipping and fabric being the biggest. When things will arrive is still not predictable & smoothed out. I just cancelled an order for fabric that was supposed to ship in Feb. Then it was pushed to March, then April, then May. This has resulted in our budget being unpredictable and trying to weekly keep up w/the phone calls to manufacturers to get ship dates, but they're only an estimate.
Sales have slowed - we guess it's the uncertainty of the economy and the future.
Then the HVAC unit in the Hip Stitch classroom was vandalized - in an attempt to steal the copper pipes. That was just about the last straw that broke us.
So we discussed and debated and Steve and I decided to proceed with honesty in our newsletter. At the end of the day, we know in our hearts that the majority of our customers shop at Hip Stitch because they support our store. They stand with us in our values, they understand that when prices go up, it's not because of personal greed. They support the same social justice causes we support. They shop here because of our commitment to positive customer service. And they would be hurt if we just decided to close Hip Stitch and didn't give them (you) the truth, and the opportunity to help.
So we sent out our weekly newsletter this past Friday and told the story. We were truthful, and shared that we're vulnerable. (def: capable of being physically or emotionally wounded)
The response was heartwarming: kindess, love, support came in the forms of words to us and purchases. You have told us that Hip Stich brought you back to sewing. That it's your happy place. And so much more.
We're continuing the SALE on Kaffe Fassett and Alexander Henry fabrics through this Friday, May 27. Two of our most popular lines. Use the code "copper" when you check out.
And thank you. From the very bottom of our hearts. Thank you.
And here are just a few of the hundreds and hundreds of photo memories from over the past 14 years of the joy created at Hip Stitch. The Hip Stitch community:
