These Are a Few of My Favourite Things: Shop Small Saturday 2022

This research paper, published in 2010 from Michigan State University Center for Community and Economic Development, lays out some very comprehensive reasons why shopping small and shopping local benefit not only the small business owners, but also the community at large:

    At the time of publication, a majority of Americans were employed by businesses with 100 or fewer employees, meaning big box stores and multi-national corporations are not the job creators they want you to believe they are. Locally owned businesses typically foster relationships with other local providers, and thus money spent to support community businesses recirculates within the immediate community. To put a number on it: for every $100 dollars spent in a local business, $73 will stay in the local economy being distributed via wages, taxes, charitable donations, and supporting other local businesses. In contrast, for every $100 spent at a big box store, like my beloved Target, only $43 stays in the local economy. This is because Target's supply chain spans from Poughkeepsie to Minneapolis, to Bangladesh (I'm assuming).

    As of late November 2022, more and more independent stores are popping up in the Poughkeepsie area, helping to finally make us cool; here's 5 of my all-time favourites:

1)Topanga Consignment Store

    Located on Main St. Poughkeepsie, near the newly renamed M.J. Nesheiwat Convention Center, Topanga is the love child of Kari Reiser, a Californian transplant to the Hudson Valley. Topanga brings that Californian sunshine and colour to Poughkeepsie which is especially appreciated on drab, grey November days. On offer are clothes, eclectic handbags, boho jewelry, midcentury and boho furniture pieces, and fun little decorative tchotchkes from all over the world and time. Topanga also shares space with Under the Stars clothing consignment, so you get a two-fer when visiting!

2) Simplicity Consignment Store

    For me, Simplicity is the OG Consignment in the area; the one that started it all. This is where I got my first ever Marc Jacobs dress, and also where I sold it back! They are very picky about what they accept for consignment, preferring higher end brands,  and good quality vintage pieces. They also stock a few artisan craft items, like necklaces and tote bags. My ever lasting regret is not purchasing a gorgeous dinnerware set there, but may they still have it? Also, in the same plaza is an Asian foods shop that I keep meaning to revisit. Now you know where to find me on #shopsmallsaturday!

3)The Poughkeepsie Friends Bookstore

    Located behind the Boardman Road Public Library, what it lacks in aesthetic, it makes up for in selection and price. This store won't accept just any old dog-eared paperback (I've seen the recycling bins); donated books sold by this store have to be in pristine, or as close to, condition. But you can find literally any kind of reading material imaginable and walk away with a paper bag filled with hard cover books for $20.00

4)Needle in the Haystack Thriftstore

     It's hard to put my finger on just what separates Needle in the Haystack from Goodwill, or Salvation Army. They're a Christian-based charity shop, but that notwithstanding, somehow they are leaps and bounds better than either of the other 2. Maybe it's because the staff are completely committed to the mission of helping others? Maybe it's the curation of the items in the store, not just piled in a random assortment, but actually arranged? Maybe it's the lack of thrift-store smell? Maybe it's all these things and more? Whatever the reason Needle is a true Ali Baba's cave of wonders, especially when their warehouse of larger home furnishings is open.

5)Habitat for Humanity Restore

    Similar to Needle in the Haystack, Habitat for Humanity resells carefully and sometimes refurbished home furnishings with the proceeds going towards the Habitat for Humanity mission. Here you'll find antique furniture, dishware, glassware, carpets, curtains, and also washing machines, light fixtures, and bathroom sinks. Dan and I have made out quite well with Restore, and I low-key love that it's the kind of place you have to make regular expeditions in because you never know what you're going to find. It's less like a cavern of wonders, and more warehouse with bad lighting, but that's okay; the stuff (and prices) is worth it.