Suggestion Box

I was really pleased with the ideas and suggestions that all of you gave for the Newburgh business scene survey. It definitely got people thinking, and I have noticed an increase in traffic for those particular results. While speaking to a local business, the owner told me that suggestions are highly needed to know what you are doing wrong. They already know what they are doing right if they keep you coming to their shop, but what are they doing wrong? Do they need more variety? Change of decor or ambiance? More internet presence? More signs? Longer hours? As long as you aren’t attacking them personally, a suggestion is welcome advice.

So, something we mentioned in the survey was contacting your local businesses and letting them know what they could do to get more of your business. I suggested that you could look up their web pages and email them your suggestions. You could also mail them. But, after running this blog for a while, I have come to see a lot of you are shy, and love anything anonymous. With that said, here’s an opportunity to give your 2¢ anonymously. Below in the comment section of this post, pick “Anonymous” and share your suggestions for your local Newburgh shop. After a while I’ll compile them together and contact the owners with all of your suggestions. Nobody has to know who you are. So if you want to support Newburgh businesses but can’t because they are missing the mark on a few things, share your suggestions! Let’s just hope they don’t shoot the messenger! ?

3 Comment

  • Thank you for posting this…. not sure where the anonymous part is but I don't mind being known…!
    My comment is two fold and is from the perspective of an 'early adjuster' (came in 2005)….
    #1 I really enjoy the comraderie between stores and storeowners, for example the Liberty Street Florist and Mary's Cheesecake HQ who have run a couple of cute events, the ongoing "Ladies that Lunch" between Downing Film Center and Caffe Machiatto and gems like Newburgh Art Supply, where if they don't sell it they will suggest a local place that can. Your blog has been highlighting these positive connections and that is, to my mind, the key to retaining customers. After all, we are all in this together, customers and store owners alike. And whilst as a customer I don't expect everyone to get along, when stores recomend and like each other, even if it's just 'respect' not 'like', it confirms that my efforts are worthwhile.
    #2 Would it be easier for me to get a latte with a credit card on my way in to Newburgh at Target? Could I call 1 800 Flowers for a neighbor? For the Holidays could I get it all done in one shot at a department store? Yes. Do I? No. I have to plan to have cash (don't always manage this), deal with a more limited return policy and allocate extra time. Do I want unlimited credit card use, longer hours and a return policy to unload my closets? It's easy of course but companies that can afford those choices often have high mark ups because they do not support sustainable labor practices and cultivate earth intensive production habits. And isn't part of the move to neigborhood shopping the growing awareness by us all that we cannot sustain our consumer society? So no, I don't want those things. I value the fact that I live in a stable country that allows me to consider such questions and I look for ways to enjoy decadence without being, well, (too)decadent! So….I do want realistic credit card use, realistic and functional hours and a realistic return policy on top of individualistic and approriately stylish clean stores. And, for the most part that is what I find on Liberty Street and elsewhere in Newburgh. Thank you to all the store owners who share their wares with us every day.

  • Thank you for posting this…. not sure where the anonymous part is but I don't mind being known…!
    My comment is two fold and is from the perspective of an 'early adjuster' (came in 2005)….
    #1 I really enjoy the comraderie between stores and storeowners, for example the Liberty Street Florist and Mary's Cheesecake HQ who have run a couple of cute events, the ongoing "Ladies that Lunch" between Downing Film Center and Caffe Machiatto and gems like Newburgh Art Supply, where if they don't sell it they will suggest a local place that can. Your blog has been highlighting these positive connections and that is, to my mind, the key to retaining customers. After all, we are all in this together, customers and store owners alike. And whilst as a customer I don't expect everyone to get along, when stores recomend and like each other, even if it's just 'respect' not 'like', it confirms that my efforts are worthwhile.
    #2 Would it be easier for me to get a latte with a credit card on my way in to Newburgh at Target? Could I call 1 800 Flowers for a neighbor? For the Holidays could I get it all done in one shot at a department store? Yes. Do I? No. I have to plan to have cash (don't always manage this), deal with a more limited return policy and allocate extra time. Do I want unlimited credit card use, longer hours and a return policy to unload my closets? It's easy of course but companies that can afford those choices often have high mark ups because they do not support sustainable labor practices and cultivate earth intensive production habits. And isn't part of the move to neigborhood shopping the growing awareness by us all that we cannot sustain our consumer society? So no, I don't want those things. I value the fact that I live in a stable country that allows me to consider such questions and I look for ways to enjoy decadence without being, well, (too)decadent! So….I do want realistic credit card use, realistic and functional hours and a realistic return policy on top of individualistic and approriately stylish clean stores. And, for the most part that is what I find on Liberty Street and elsewhere in Newburgh. Thank you to all the store owners who share their wares with us every day.

  • Thanks Rachel!