R.I.P. Steve & Barry's

As I was folding laundry the other day, I happened to notice the tag on a pair of my shorts - Steve & Barry's. Man, I miss that store. What a wonderful concept! Everything in the store costing $7.99-shirts, pants, coats, shoes, etc. At least, that's how it started out. The first time I went to a Steve & Barry's was in Middlesboro, KY. At that time, everying in the store costed the same amount. They would run specials around Christmas time. A person could go in there and buy something for everyone on his/her Christmas list for half the price that would be spent at any other store. As stated by USA Today, this type of pricing equation should have worked in the poor economy. Was it the massive growth the company had recently experienced? Was it the taking on of big names like Sarah Jessica Parker, Amanda Bynes and Venus Williams? Or was it truly the reason of the downturn in the economy? Whatever the reason, Steve & Barry's is gone (has been for a few months now).

The economy can definitely be blamed for the closing of another store-Trixie's Western Outfitters. This little store is located on Callahan Rd. When it first opened, I thought "what an interesting location for a western store?" But, contrary to my first thoughts, the store seemed to flourish. It was one of the first stores to open up in the Yow Shopping Center, and I was happy to see it doing well. Each day, I would drive by and smile as I looked over and saw their brightly lit red and blue sign. So, you can imagine my dismay when just a few weeks ago, I saw the "Going Out Of Business" signs posted outside of Trixie's. Is this for real? Is Trixie's the next store to succumb to this economic disaster? Why her?

I stopped by there - (1) to get some saddle soap to clean my leather couch and (2) to take a look inside this little store that had made me smile so many times. As I walked around the store, I felt so sad. One sweet lady who worked there just sweetly smiled as this couple bickered on whether to buy the cowboy hat now or wait until the "prices get much lower". I found a bottle of spray soap and took it to the register. There was a gentleman at the register sporting a cowboy hat and matching moustache along with a lady working on the computer. I asked if they had any paste soap, and another lady who worked there said "sure". She kindly walked over and got me one. Tell me where else you'll get service like that-someone who knows what you are talking about, if they have it, and is willing to go get it. I paid for my soap and walked to my car with tears in my eyes, sad about what our community was losing and that that sweet sign will turn dark very soon.

How many more stores are going to have to close? How many more families' dreams are going to have to be dashed? How many more people are going to lose their jobs before this nightmare ends? When is this going to end?

I wish I could answer these questions. What I can do is clean my couch with the saddle soap I got at Trixie's, and remember the sweet little Western store and the precious people who worked there.

One week in...all is going well

Today makes 1 week that hubby has been at his new job. He really seems to be enjoying it there. The only thing that has been hard for him is fact he is starting over from scratch. At ImagePoint, he knew his co-workers well, he knew the office dynamics, he knew where were good places to go for lunch (usually the Brewery). He had a good relationship with his supervisors and had proven to his co-workers that he knew his stuff. Now, that process is starting over again. But, he's working - and for that, we are truly thankful.

However, a part of us feels remorseful over it. Mainly because so many around us are still out of work, and many more are losing their jobs each day. There's one friend who gets turned down for jobs because she is "over-qualified". Her "over-qualification" for jobs has led to her getting evicted from her home at the end of this month. Also, I see many other middle-aged people who are out of work and having trouble finding work. It is a dire shame that these individuals are being turned away. Although age discrimination is against the law, it is practically impossible in today's job market to prove it. It is so evident that it is occurring - and it's terribly sad. These men and women have so much to give to a company. They are mature, responsible adults. Unline their younger counterparts, they have experience in their job and in life. Experience that can benefit a company in many ways. Instead, companies (who are hiring) hire young people with little or no work/life experience who may stay with them a year. Companies now have the opportunity to hire and benefit from experience and knowledge. For years, these experienced individuals have been working hard for companies (such as ImagePoint and Goody's). Now, they have been abandoned by these companies, and are desperately needing to work. These are people who will be devoted to a company and will give it their all. They have before, and they will again.

There are other friends whose spouses have recently lost their jobs. My heart breaks for them as well. When they tell me their husband or wife's company has laid them off, it hurts. I remember that fateful day in January and how it feels. I remember the helpless feeling that comes with the news. I just want to hug them and tell them everything is going to be ok - because it will.

One week down - hopefully more to go.