Tag Archives: Local Business

30 years of fun in disguise: A beloved Wyoming icon will close its doors at year’s end

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Randy and Gayle Vaartjes are retiring after three decades helping customers disguise themselves year-round through The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Gayle and Randy Vaartjes have served their community for 30 years (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

A popular Wyoming icon will close its doors at the end of the year, concluding a 30-year adventure while ushering in a new chapter.

Randy and Gayle Vaartjes have spent over three decades assisting customers from all over the United States and Canada disguise themselves year-round through their family-owned costume retail store, The Kostume Room.

The Kostume Room provided costumes, professional makeup, wigs, and accessories for almost every event, including: Halloween, school and church plays, museums and the film industry.

But, to Gayle and Randy, costumes were more than just a business. It was fun.

“I enjoyed every single customer that came through our door,” said Gayle, adding that it was fun to help customers pick out their costumes. “It’s fun to help them create what they’re looking for.”

Many times, after seeing all The Kostume Room had to offer, customers would change their mind about what costume they wanted and walk out the door with a completely different ensemble.

When asked why people enjoy dressing up so much, Gayle said, “I think, personally, because they can be someone else, and they can act differently.”

“Disguise Yourself”

Randy and Gayle called their store “an adventure of a lifetime” that opened its doors in 1993 with a mission to help customers disguise themselves all year long.

Fun and daring wigs can spice up an ensemble (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

The adventure began when Gayle and her sister decided to sell Halloween costumes they had made for their kids. When that endeavor met with success, the sisters continued making children’s costumes and selling them on consignment at a local thrift store.

“Back then there really wasn’t much [for costumes],” said Gayle. “Not only that, we didn’t even know where to get costumes – and we weren’t going to pay retail for them. So we put them in the thrift store.”

A hat for every occasion! (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

As the costumes continued to sell, the women became aware of a Halloween show for costume creators to buy goods. That discovery elevated their business to new heights. After the first year, the sisters found retail space in Rogers Plaza.

“We kept growing each year. After the sixth or seventh year, it was time to find a home,” Gayle said, gesturing around their current location.

The next year, they offered adult costumes as well. Gayle received special requests for costumes and made a few for the store as well – “but really not as much as I would have liked to.”

Gayle’s wish had been to spend time sewing costumes in the back room of the store. However, she was needed at the front of the store and much of the sewing fell to her mother and sister.

During retirement, however, Gayle will put her sewing skills to good use.

“My plans are to use my skills and make historical costumes, or whatever people would like me to do,” said Gayle, adding that she plans to sell them on eBay or Etsy.

  • The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

A unique business

Though the couple planned to sell the business within the next few years, their timeline was accelerated when they received an unexpected offer for the building. They decided to accept.

“Now we’re looking for a buyer to buy the business side of it, move it out and relocate it someplace else,” said Randy, adding that their wish is for the business name to continue on.

But that is not as easy as it sounds.

The Kostume Room has thousands of costumes and accessories (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

The business, said Gayle, is extremely unique. Many people do not understand how much work is put in behind the scenes.

Special touches to service – such as re-curling Santa wigs after washing – combined with maintaining thousands of accessories and the 41 racks of costumes, is not for the faint of heart.

A desire to give back

Well, this seems like a hairy situation… (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)

Randy and Gayle gave back to various local organizations throughout the years, including Kids Food Basket, American Cancer Society, Paws with a Cause and Whooriders.

The Kostume Room also offers assistance to cancer survivors through the Wig Bank.

“I’m a cancer survivor,” said Gayle. “And I decided that I was going to give back. I donate really nice wigs to women going through chemo or any hair loss.”

Gayle originally helped provide wigs through the American Cancer Society (ACS), but when the program ended, Gayle took up the mission. Instead of returning the wigs ACS donated to the store, Gayle continued the program through The Kostume Room.

When asked what inspires the couple to give back, Gayle shrugged. “Just wanting to help,” she said simply.

The next chapter

Luscious locks…for your face! (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

What’s next for the retiring couple?

“We’re going to travel,” said Gayle with a smile. The couple has always wanted to visit the Netherlands – and now they will. “That’s our big trip. The rest will be small trips; there are so many places we haven’t been to in the United states.”

The Vaartjes’ upcoming adventure, however, will be bittersweet.

“I didn’t realize how much we meant to the community, I really didn’t,” said Gayle. “I was just doing my job.

“Throughout the years I’ve made good friends with people, and I don’t like seeing them sad because then it makes me sad.”

A message from Randy and Gayle Vaartjes

“Thank you for being our customers,” said Randy, adding that he has enjoyed seeing the generations change over time. “We see kids that are growing up coming in with their kids. And they’re telling us that they were kids when their parents brought them in here.”

“It was our pleasure, more than they know,” Gayle said. “Our customers are Number One. If we didn’t have them, we would have been gone a long time ago. That’s what makes this happen. We’re just the directors.”

But wait – there’s more!

Here comes Santa Claus… (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Though The Kostume Room doors will close for the final time at the end of the year, they are not closed yet!

“I just want to make sure everyone knows that we were not closed yet,” said Randy. “There is still a lot of inventory to choose from!”

The Kostume Room hours are Monday-Friday from 12-7 p.m., and Saturday from 12-5 p.m. They are now closed on Sundays.

Learn more about The Kostume Room here.

Frankie V’s included in the Wyoming City Center development

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By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

After more than 40 years serving the Grand Rapids community, restaurateurs Frank and Wanda Vitale announce plans to semi-retire. Their plans include downsizing their restaurant to a catering kitchen and possible takeout for their next generation of Vitale children.

(Courtesy, pxhere.com)

The property will be enfolded into development plans for the Wyoming City Center project spearheaded through a public-private partnership between the City of Wyoming and Magnus Capital Partners, a privately held real estate developer.

“Although it is bittersweet, we feel strongly that this is the right time,” Frank Vitale said. “We’ve had an amazing 23 years running Frankie V’s with our children and grandchildren growing up here.

“We have also been a part of so many of the families that grew up with us. There have been countless birthdays, showers, retirements, anniversaries, celebrations of life and even four weddings within these walls. It was truly an honor for us to host so many families and their special occasions.”

Magnus and the Vitales had been in discussions for a couple of years about incorporating Frankie V’s into plans for the surrounding area. Terms of the sale have not been disclosed. The property will be integrated into a third phase of HōM Flats at 28 West, the award-winning housing community that serves as a central piece to the vision for the City Center development.

“The more we thought about it, with the struggles that came with hiring and retaining employees in the industry, we realized the time had come to let go,” Vitale said. “We are forever thankful to our community, but take comfort in knowing the future of Wyoming starts at a place where our roots go deep.”

Frankie V’s – A family tradition

Described as being cut from the same cloth, Frank and Wanda come from families who immigrated from Sicily in the early 1960’s and owned pizza shops. Since their early years, they worked in their families’ respective shops, coincidentally named Vitale’s Pizza Queen and Joe’s Pizza King.

(Courtesy, pxhere.com)

They married in 1985 and bought their first pizzeria in 1988 before opening Frankie V’s in 2001. Located at the former Sound Stage Café, the large space challenged the Vitales, who were accustomed to smaller takeout operations.

The space soon became a bustling restaurant for all ages. With the Vitales’ children attending Wyoming Public Schools, the community soon rallied behind them. They employed many of their children’s friends, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Team dinners were continuously supplied to sports teams. Donating catering services for community funerals, hosting banquets for various occasions and various other supportive activities were a call the husband and wife team happily answered.

The Vitales noted the community was just as supportive to them during the loss of their oldest son, Joey Vitale.

“We will never forget the support we received through this tragedy in our lives,” Vitale said.

The recession and COVID-19 pandemic also put an incredible strain on their business. Once again, the community stepped up and kept the take-out business flowing to support the business through the mandatory shutdowns.

“The incredible clientele of regulars who are an everyday staple will be forever part of our family,” Vitale said.

(Courtesy, pxhere.com)

The Vitales will be forever grateful to their children, who have taken on various jobs in the restaurant. Joey, Jonny, Sera and Frankie contributed their time and talents to make Frankie V’s what it is today. Jermaine Jones, who worked side-by-side with Frank in the small takeout beginning in 1988, continues to have the restaurant’s best interests at heart.

“We are so appreciative of our staff staying on to the end,” Vitale said.

“Frankie V’s and the Vitale family have been a cornerstone of the Wyoming community for decades,” said Wyoming City Manager John Shay. “We are immensely grateful for all their contributions over the years.

“It will be difficult saying goodbye to this place, but we are assured knowing Frank and Wanda are ready for what comes next in their lives.”

Family, friends, former employees and customers are encouraged to dine in and reminisce with the Frankie V’s team during the restaurant’s final weeks this summer. Their Metro Cruise party will be one of their final events.

Wyoming City Center – A vision for the future

Magnus and the City of Wyoming have been working together for over six years on a public-private development partnership to create the Wyoming City Center. The public investment in the project will provide an ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge, connection to 4.6 miles of paved trails and a public plaza.

The City Center project includes the construction of a pedestrian bridge over 28th Street (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)

The private side of investment consists of HōM Flats at 28 West, the flagship workforce housing development led by Magnus.

“We look forward to continuing our journey of reimagining Wyoming,” Shay said. “The public investments we are making alongside our partnership with Magnus elevate our excitement for the possibilities ahead. We share a commitment to creating a space everyone can access, engage with and be proud of.”

Wyoming City Center plaza rendering (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)

Magnus and the City are consolidating existing information related to revitalization plans to create a comprehensive vision of vibrant mixed-use developments, pedestrian-friendly public spaces and increased community engagement in Wyoming City Center, per the City’s Master Plan.

Magnus will submit the project plans for the next phase of development to the City in the coming months.

“Each day this project proves what is possible with a strong public-private partnership,” said Vishal Arora, CEO and Founder of Magnus Capital Partners. “Its success has catalyzed the opportunities for a revitalized Wyoming.

“We look forward to sharing plans for additional development at HōM Flats at 28 West soon.”

Sunday Night Funnies sixth annual Kingpin of Comedy competition begins May 12

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(Courtesy, Brian B.)



By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


The Sunday Night Funnies (SNF) stand-up comedy show is getting ready for its sixth annual Kingpin of Comedy standup comedy competition. The competition will held at Woody’s Press Box inside Spectrum Entertainment Complex each Sunday from May 12 – Oct. 13.

(Courtesy, Brian B.)

“This is a blatant rip-off of the Funniest Person in Grand Rapids contest that Dr. Grins Comedy Club used to run,” said Brian B. (Brian Borbot), founder and MC of the SNF.

“Seeing that Wyoming is the 14th largest city in Michigan, I thought it deserved its own standup comedy competition with the overall winner getting a prize package worthy of the title the Funniest Person in Wyoming!”

The Kingpin of Comedy winner will receive $500 cash as well as prizes from Wyoming businesses Spectrum Entertainment Complex, Craig’s Cruisers, The Listening Room and Gilda’s Club LaughFest. The winner will also receive a Kingpin bowling pin trophy, a personalized Kingpin bowling shirt, and the opportunity to close at the Sunday Night Funnies LaughFest show in 2025.

The total prize package is over $1,000 in value.

Fifteen years of funny

The Sunday Night Funnies is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. Now in its 15th year, the SNF features weekly live standup comedy performances by a variety of local and national comics.

Admission to the SNF shows at Woody’s Press Box are free. SNF shows take place on Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. during winter and spring, and at 8:30 p.m. during summer and early fall.

43rd Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony Friday marks a milestone for Wyoming Kentwood Chamber as it transitions to South Kent Chamber

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By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



The Wyoming Kentwood Chamber will hold its 43rd Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony Friday, a celebration that will not only honor outstanding businesses and individuals, but also mark a significant rebranding milestone.


This year, the Chamber is unveiling its new name, South Kent Chamber, a change that better reflects the diverse and thriving business community it represents.


“The annual dinner serves as more than just a celebration; it is a platform for fostering community engagement, networking and collaborations among local businesses. Attendees can anticipate an enjoyable evening filled with dinner, a cash bar, and the highlight of the evening,” said Keith Morgan, CEO of South Kent Chamber.

The awards to be presented at the event include:

  • Distinguished Service Award
  • Volunteer of the Year Award
  • Business of the Year Awards (Manufacturing, Retail, Service)
  • Committee of the Year Award

Attendees will get an exclusive sneak peek into the South Kent Business Journal, a comprehensive business publication designed for the modern professional. It offers exclusive interviews with area leaders, business trends, market insights, and thought-provoking commentary on current business landscapes. This year’s ceremony also will feature the introduction of new incoming board chairs and board members.

New South Kent Chamber of Commerce logo.

Locker Room by LIDS now open at Woodland Mall

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(Courtesy, Woodland Mall)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



Locker Room by LIDS has joined the dynamic lineup of retailers at Woodland Mall, offering a large variety of both collegiate and professional sports team merchandise.

  

Featuring everything from custom team gear to novelty sports items, the new store is open in the Macy’s wing near center court at Woodland Mall, 3195 28th St. SE Grand Rapids. Within its 1,874 square-foot space, shoppers will find a wide variety of professional and collegiate sports gear.

 

“We’re thrilled to add another business from the LIDS lineup to Woodland Mall,” said Mikia Ross, interim senior marketing director. “Sports fans of all affiliations can find the perfect apparel and merchandise to rep their favorite team, with customized options available. 

  

“The variety and quality available through Locker Room by LIDS align with our vision to provide shoppers with excellent selection and service.”

 

Locker Room by LIDS is owned by LIDS Sports Group, a leading North American omni-channel sports licensed retailer which is made up of more than 1,100 mall-based, airport, street level and factory outlet locations nationwide, and in Canada and Puerto Rico.

 

Woodland Mall features an exclusive lineup of dynamic retailers, including Apple, Dry Goods, Forever 21, H&M, The North Face, Pottery Barn, Sephora, Williams-Sonoma and Von Maur, along with several dining establishments, including The Cheesecake Factory and Black Rock Bar & Grill. The mall is also home to the newly renovated Phoenix Theatres, featuring all-new premium heated reclining seating, 4K digital projection with Dolby Atmos, first-run movies and family-friendly pricing.

 

For more information, visit ShopWoodlandMall.com.

 

Kentwood seeks donations for Little Free Pantry

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Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which operates year-round, provides food to community members in need. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood is encouraging local businesses, organizations and community members to gather donations to help replenish the shelves at the Little Free Pantry.

Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is a free resource that provides food to community members in need. Anyone can give to and take from the pantry, with no questions asked and no application needed.

The pantry operates year-round and has two locations: the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

Donations needed

The Little Free Pantry has seen an increase in use over the past few years and is in immediate need of donations. Preferred donation items include canned and nonperishable food items and personal care items. A list of suggestions can be found at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

“In the past, the Little Free Pantry has stayed stocked thanks to food drives and donations from our generous community,” said Val Romeo, director of parks and recreation. “We typically see a lot of donations around the holiday season, but there is need all year. 

“We’re urging community members to donate a little earlier than normal this year. Whether it’s a handful of canned goods donated by an individual, an entire food drive put on by a local business or a financial contribution, any donation helps families in our community.”

The pantry has several donation drop-off locations throughout Kentwood. Collection hours and locations are as follows:

  • Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE: Drop off donations 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. 
  • Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE: Place donations inside the collection bin 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and 7:30 a.m. to noon Friday. 
  • Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE: Place donations inside the collection bin located in the lobby from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 
  • Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE: Place donations inside the collection bin 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
  • Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE: Place donations inside the collection bin 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
     

Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a Martin Luther King Jr. Day community service project to fill an immediate and local need. A second location was added in 2021.

To make a financial donation or find more information about Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, visit kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

Michigan residents and business owners struggle with inflation

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By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

With prices continuing to skyrocket, Michigan residents and business owners search for the reason behind the perpetual inflation, and when it might end.

Global issue as well

Many economists and local business leaders say increasing costs for businesses are the driving force behind rising prices. And that continuing inflation is a concern not only statewide, but nationally and globally as well.

Consumer prices up 9.1 percent over year end June 2022 (largest in 40 years)

As the world emerges from the emergency status of the COVID-19 pandemic, business owners and consumers are fighting against ongoing residual effects, namely inflation. Due to supply issues during the pandemic and current labor shortages, prices for everyday goods have skyrocketed, with consumer prices up 9.1 percent over year end June 2022. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Exercise patience

Despite the economic concern, Keith Morgan, president and CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, advises community members to, “Temper your decisions…exercise patience. It’s not as bad as they make it seem…and it’s not as good as some people think it may be.”

Keith Morgan, president and CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce. (Courtesy)

In regard to business owners, “The biggest impact right now that businesses need to be aware of, the key is, preparation,” said Morgan to WKTV. Most small businesses are not prepared for crises such as a pandemic. “A business is going to typically have a 6-month runway (also known as a reserve) if they are in a good position…some may have 12 months. Very few are going to have 24 months.”

With the pandemic lasting longer than businesses anticipated, several owners found themselves floundering.

“What a lot of people are experiencing,” continued Morgan, “is that they are having to pivot. They are forced to reevaluate their paradigm. The businesses that have done well are the ones that are finding ways to provide different services or provide different products…and finding avenues to be more efficient.”

Government help available

Morgan also revealed that government help is available for businesses, but that many organizations are hesitant to take advantage of different funds that are available, such as ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, due to not having information about those advantages.

Local Chamber of Commerce networks offer professional advisors and relationships business owners can take advantage of, and that can help them understand that information so they can make better decisions.

Some aspects of the inflation crisis, however, cannot be avoided.

Labor shortages

Labor shortages have had a large bearing on inflation. With fewer workers available for businesses to draw on, they are finding the need to offer incentives, such as higher pay rates and benefits. Something that will make a “significant difference” in employer expenses, Morgan said.

Tim Mroz, senior vice president of Community Development for The Right Place. (Courtesy)

Tim Mroz, senior vice president of Community Development for The Right Place, agrees that one of the prevailing struggles is “the ability for employers to stay competitive with wages, and employees to keep up with the cost of living.”

Offering such incentives, however, increases cost to the employer. “Companies just can’t eat that total cost,” Morgan said. “So that cost has to be passed on to the consumer who is buying your service or product.”

The company that offers that service or product now must raise that rate to be able to account for the additional cost to their business. Add in meeting profit margins and expectations from investors, and that cost increases exponentially.

Supply chain issues

Supply chain issues are also a large factor of inflation.

“The good news is that we are seeing progress,” Mroz continued. “I think we’ve gotten beyond the emergency situation we were in a year ago during COVID. The supply chain issues we’re seeing today are a little more targeted at certain materials.”

Those manufacturers who are still experiencing supply issues, however, are now finding the problem compounded by rising prices when they can acquire those materials.

“Steel prices are still a challenge, both for construction steel and coiled steel.” At local steel manufacturers, Mroz said, “There is very little inventory. What they do have they are moving as fast as possible.

“Since 2020 to current quarter, construction prices have just about doubled. If it’s not under control soon, we’re going to start seeing pullbacks in the construction and development industry. That’s concerning because we need housing.”

Jason Parsons, senior construction project manager for Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, told WKTV that “All of the materials I have delivered to site, they are all adding a fuel surcharge onto the bill, which didn’t used to be there. We are getting regular cost increases on windows, siding, roofing.”

Parsons says it is not any one thing causing the increase.

“I think it’s the supply chain problems, it’s the delivery chain and trucking costs, manufacturers are having a difficult time keeping enough labor. They aren’t producing as much as they were, so they are charging more for what they are producing.”

Compounding the problems brought on by a lack in available materials is a shortage of truck drivers. That shortage has cost site workers delays as they wait for materials to be delivered.

“It’s a synergistic type of system that one thing doesn’t just affect one other piece,” Morgan explained. “One thing can affect 17 other pieces down the road, and they all work together.”

A social aspect also comes into play due to a growing mentality that there is no better time to raise rates because people are expecting it. Morgan mentioned the current gas market, observing that prices are unlikely to decrease back to yesterday’s normal, even if cost improves for the buyer because “(consumers) are used to paying it, and willing to pay it, and are paying it,” thus increasing the buyer’s profit margin.

These thoughts are supported by a current podcast, Trend Talks with ITR Economics, specifically episodes from “The Consumer, Interest Rates, and Gas Prices” with Alan Beaulieu, March 18, 2022, and “Pricing at the Peak” with Connor Lokar, January 14, 2022.

Over the 12 months ended June 2022, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 9.1 percent. The 9.1-percent increase in the all items index was the largest 12-month increase since the 12-month period ending November 1981. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Will consumers see a decrease in prices?

Morgan says yes, but it will take time.


“Inflation will decrease due to what the market can bear,” he explained. “Prices are based off of what people will buy.”

Parsons agreed.

“It’s all supply and demand. If supply increases and demand goes down, the prices will come down. They have to.”

Federal Reserve taking action

The Federal Reserve has already taken action by purposely increasing their rates.

“The Federal Reserve has the most impact on the value of a dollar,” Morgan said. “They can change the numbers, which will tighten up the financial market and the base has to follow suit. If they (Federal Reserve) tighten up the economy, and people aren’t able to go out and get as many loans, they can’t do as many things, then that will typically drive the prices back down because you have a surplus in the market.”

No easy fix

Even so, Morgan believes it will be a minimum of a year to bring the economy back down from inflation, with economists saying it could be as long as 18 to 24 months. But Morgan cautions that a lot can happen in 24 months, and to “temper your plans and expectations. There is really no easy fix.”

Both Morgan and Mroz agree that Michigan is not alone in its struggles.

A global problem

“This isn’t a Michigan-specific issue,” Mroz said. “It’s a national issue, I would argue that it’s even an international issue. Everybody is dealing with this right now, with global finance as connected as it is.”

Close to retirement?

When asked how the average consumer can prepare or help themselves right now, Morgan said each individual and family situation is different and dependent upon their needs but did suggest that those close to retirement pull their money from the market now and put that money in a savings account with very low risk.

 “Economists are saying that, unless you have a 2-year runway where you can stay in the market without making any change, you need to get your money in a place where you’re not going to earn much interest, but at least you’re not going to lose much either, because the markets have trended downward,” Morgan said.

Despite the difficulties many individuals and business owners face, Morgan offers hope.

“We are not in an economy where we don’t have money,” Morgan explained. “We are experiencing inflation and it’s a concern, but it’s not such a concern to the extent that we are going to change our buying habits or change our lifestyle.”

Virtual has been a written success for one of the area’s locally-owned bookstores

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Schuler Books is located Kentwood on 28th Street (WKTV/Faith Morgan)


By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern



At the start of the pandemic, many business owners had concerns of how they were going to continue bringing in business. It was no different for independently-owned Schuler Books with its owners worrying how they could continue to serve their customers and maintain a sense of community during a shutdown. It required the bookstore to go virtual.

“Keeping our customers and staff safe during this time has been our number one priority and will continue to be,” said Schuler Books Event Coordinator Samantha Hendricks.


Through social media platforms, Zoom, Eventbrite, and personal shopping, Schuler Books was able to serve its customers and allow authors and illustrators to connect with their fanbase while staying safe. Moving events onto virtual platforms has enabled authors to continue to foster their relationship with their fans through Q&As and readings.

The Schuler Books 28th Street location is open to the public (WKTV/Faith Morgan)


Since reopening, the store has made some changes requesting in-store shoppers to wear face masks correctly and practice social distancing. They also have the option for customers to put items they do not want to purchase on designated tables marked throughout the store to be disinfected and then returned to its shelf.



Customers may put items they don’t want to purchase on designated tables (WKTV/Faith Morgan)


Since online shopping has increased during this pandemic, why shop local?

“It’s the personal touch,” Hendricks said. “It goes back to creating and maintaining those relationships with our community.

“Independent bookstores have more flexibility and our main goal is to leave a lasting impression on the customer that feels personal to them.”

Through its personal shopping service, the store has helped its customers in their search and offers suggestions for other similar items. In fact, staff curates lists of book for their customers based on their reading interests.


 

Schuler Books staff can offer suggestions based on a customer’s interest (WKTV/Faith Morgan)


Schuler Books still plans to continue to host virtual events such as author readings and Q&As during this month and Facebook Live readings of scary stories in the month of October.

For more information on future virtual events you can visit the store’s website or follow Schuler Books on Facebook and Instagram.