Business owner Brooke Newman said opening a small business in downtown Washington demonstrated the pride she and other business owners have in their hometown.
Kudos to Meredith Loughlin, Leigh Gertz and Brooke Newman (and their families) for taking a chance on downtown Washington.
That sort of pride in your hometown is a rare thing in this day and age, especially from the younger set. So many of the Main Streets are dying off as shoppers choose to spend money online and at mega stores rather than finding the value in shopping locally.
Many of the stores carry merchandise that just can’t be found elsewhere. Local business owners stock locally made merchandise.
Where else will you find a jewelry store willing to give shelf
space to North Carolina muffin mix?
Who else, but a local gallery will sell hand crocheted stuffed bears?
Who, other than an independent dress shop will take a chance on small clothing labels?
In what other store will you find homemade confections?
The new businesses popping up throughout Beaufort County may demonstrate the pride and faith of the owners, but keeping them open will demonstrate pride in our cities and the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and well in a new generation of Main Street business owners.
As you wrap up your Christmas shopping, challenge yourself to visit each of Beaufort County’s Main Streets and a few of the businesses you will find in route.  You will be happy you did.