This year has been like no other in recent memory. The Covid pandemic has impacted nearly everyone on the planet, and with profound, catastrophic loss of life. Our local economies have also been hugely impacted. Millions of people who had jobs a year ago now find themselves unemployed and stuck at home, while thousands of small businesses across America that were not able to pivot to the new challenges are no more.
As SW Portland’s friendly local game store, Other Worlds Games & Comics has in so many ways been very fortunate. In addition to the wonderful support from all our regular visitors, we have pivoted and pirouetted around so many industry-obstacles, from not being able to host in-store events and lower than average foot traffic to disruptions in our supply and distribution chain. Yet, we continue to go to work daily, with the store now open 7 days/week and with all the necessary safety protocols. Honestly, we are grateful to be busy.
However, we know this holiday season in particular will be very telling for so many neighborhood small businesses, even those who have so far withstood the challenges of this year. Including us.
For many small businesses this year, revenue is down significantly (over 30% for us from this point last year). Schools are out (which we depend on), we have fewer employees and foot traffic is not what we are used to.
The pandemic seems tailor-made for Amazon and other big online sellers. They are already showing BILLIONS in sales and profits, while we slug it out in the retail trenches, trying to do business the old-fashioned way. All that money going to Amazon means LESS for our local and state economy. LESS to hold on to our employees, LESS for our rent and utilities, and LESS for ordering the new products so many of you expect from us.
We ask that you please remember to support local shops BIG this year. Keep us in your thoughts, in business and in your neighborhoods. Keep as much of YOUR money in your local economy. The investment is well worth it, for all of us.
Thank you all for your continued support and please remember to thank any medical and first-responders you know during this extremely challenging time.
Please be safe!
-Ronald Connell, Owner/ManagerOther Worlds Games & Comics