Special words for your customers

We just had to share part of the email newsletter we received this morning. This comes from Janet Wells, owner of Pictures in Time in Orange Park, Florida. Pictures in Time (PIT) is a www.maps2memories.com store and was the first stand-alone scrapbook store in the State of Florida-- opening in 1997. Like many (most?) of our retailers, Janet has felt the pinch this year-- rising costs, eroding customer base, & increased competition from online businesses, chain stores & home shopping sites. As we all struggle to get the message out to consumers-- "Shop Our Stores or We Will Close" -- we find Janet's words especially pithy!

"A special word to you...
We just want to let you know....
-as scrapbook stores are closing all around us
-as gas prices get higher and higher (and our shipping costs do, too!)
-as you see great stuff on the internet and at consumer shows
-as you are tempted by coupons for great deals from the "big box" stores----

Please remember that we are only here as long as you want us to be here. When you stop supporting your local independent scrapbook store, we will turn off the lights, close and lock the doors and we will be gone.
When we are gone,
the folks who give you a smile when you walk in the door,
usually know your name,
remember the things you like,
order your special orders,
keep secrets from your family and friends and for your family and friends,
give you a place to feel you belong,
plan great events, classes and crops for you to go to for a great time and to get-away,
play and talk to your kids while you shop,
and demonstrate and let you play with all those great tools-
well, that will be gone, too!

We appreciate your business and your support!
If you like our store, please tell your friends.
If we've made you mad-we're sorry, please tell us and give us another chance!

Please support (and SAVE) your local independent scrapbook store by shopping with them for ALL your scrapbooking and papercrafting supplies!"