Debunking Closing Rumors
Decatur Metro | December 10, 2008Perhaps some of you have seen the odd note on the Oakhurst Message Board portending the demise of Calavino’s, Sawicki’s and Le Petit Marche.
While we’re all well aware of issues at Calavino’s, the items about Sawicki’s and Le Petit were new to me. Plus the format was just a bit too vague and random for my taste. Plus I didn’t think Sawicki’s was doing that poorly, so I didn’t bite.
But it looks like Creative Loafing did.
However, Lynn Sawicki was quick to respond, confirming my suspicion that it was pure rumor…
I’d like to know who started that rumor!!!
I’m not going under, but like other businesses, am feeling the crunch.
The times are tough, but I will stick by my vision for the store- providing the city of Decatur with fresh, chemical free meats and seafoods as well as organic produce etc.
The community has to commit to supporting us little guys if this is to work for me- of course business is down- only McDonalds is showing a profit!!!
I believe the community wants this type of establishment, but they do have to step up and keep their values and morals through this crunch and come out to support all of Decatur- or the city WILL turn into a wasteland….
So I’m doing my part to debunk this particular rumor.
Glad to hear Sawicki’s isn’t on the verge. I enjoy it way too much.
All that said…(wait for it)….keep buying local!
Latest from Decaturish
Well said, Lynn. Hang in there!
Decatur Mom is a little bit embarrassed to say she doesn’t know what, or where, Le Petite Marche is….
Le Petite Marche is in Kirkwood. They sell things like gourmet cheeses, fancy jellies, etc. They also have sandwiches and salads which are pretty good. The owner always seems to be around, making sure everyone is happy. I hope it hangs in there.
so how about that big tree that’s down and taking all our power?
Why is there a moral obligation to support Ms. Sawicki’s restaurant?
Is there also a moral obligation to support the $300 a pair (locally owned) jeans stores in Decatur?
Both Le Petit Marche and Sawicki’s are favorites of mine, and I intend to support both of them as much as I can. Le Petit Marche has some WONDERFUL things for Christmas gifts (or anytime gifts), and outstanding quality for the price. I have done part of my Christmas shopping there this year. And I never miss a chance to stop in at Sawicki’s for a wonderful sandwich, it is a great place to “have a bite” and buy some fresh vegetables for tonight’s meal. Please support both of these worthy businesses, they are both over-the-top in friendly service and good quality.
It is often said by people that downtown Decatur feels more “urban” than a lot of places in Atlanta. More “neighborhood in New York” than, say, Buckhead. That percecption keeps our property values up (relatively, of course), gives us options for things to do, eat, and see. Here’s the quid pro quo: we have to get out of our houses and condos and out on the street on our feet! Shop like a New Yorker. Pick up your meat at Sawicki’s. A bottle of wine Sherlock’s. Grab some muffins at Pastries a Go Go. PIck up a birthday card and a little present at Heliotrope, topped off with an evening cocktail poured by the incomparable Corina at Cakes and Ale. This is not morals. This is business. Simply put, use it or lose it. We will end up living in an “area” (that by the way is not that easy to get to and from, to places like, say Buckhead where we’ll have to go to get anything when our local businesses close) and not a neighborhood. New Jersey, not SoHo, as it were.
Alan, brother, you are right on. That’s the difference between Ponce through downtown and an outdoor mall shaped like a main street — the interdependency. Strong resident support makes for stronger commercial. Stronger commercial makes for stronger residential value.
We’re all in this together.
I have been thinking about this post since last night, and I have to say, as much as I love the Decatur shops and restaurants, I didn’t move here for the groovy local goods. We moved here for the schools. We moved here for the several parks that are within walking distance of our house. My husband changed jobs so that he works a mile from our house. I think Decatur is awesome and there is nowhere else in the state that I would live. That said, our family may have Sawicki tastes, but quite frankly we have a Wal-Mart budget even in better economic times. We simply don’t have the resources to support all the local businesses as often as we like. Some we support more than others, like Little Shop of Stories, Wordsmiths, and Heliotrope. But a “treat” for our family would be hot chocolate for the kids at Java Monkey, not food from Sawicki’s, not wine from Cooks Warehouse. One meal out at Cakes and Ale would almost buy a week of groceries for the family. If I want wine, I buy a cheap case of it at the Farmer’s Market. If I want muffins, I bake them myself. Our priorities are things like spring and fall sports for our kids, supporting the PTA and other school fundraisers, and paying our (rather large) property tax bills twice a year. I do wish all local businesses the very best. I hope there are others out there that are not under the financial constraints that we are and have the disposable income for luxuries. I don’t feel like I am under any “moral” obligation, just because I live in the city of Decatur, to support these businesses when I can’t afford to; my “moral” obligation is to make the best choices for my family.
I like Sawicki’s but I have done a poor job of making time to shop there. I’ll start getting over there a lot more regularly.
Overall, Decatur Mom has hit on the problem, though. I doubt that the downturn in business has anything to do with residents not living up to value and morals, but far more to do with the fact that we’re in a major recession and much of what Sawicki’s sells is rather expensive. It’s tough to be a high-end market right now, no matter where you are. Anecdotally, I was at Alon’s for lunch last Saturday and, for the first time I can ever remember, it wasn’t the least bit crowded.
I think Alan’s point wasn’t so much that we should all run out and buy wine and high-end cheese, but rather that we ought not to take the things that we love about Decatur for granted. In decatur mom’s case, she supports Java Monkey, LSOS, and Decatur schools – those are the things that matter to her, she supports them as her budget allows, and kudos to her for that.
Obviously, we don’t all need or like or want everything that Decatur provides. For example, I don’t drink beer, so I don’t patronize the Brick Store (sorry, DM!). But also keep in mind that some of these business have ancillary benefits beyond the immediate thing they sell. I know the Brick Store brings cheer and local color to downtown, as well as adds to Decatur’s rep as a great place to be. So, I would support it if it were in trouble, and I do recommend it to my beer-drinking friends.
But, if you do need a thing that Decatur has, please do consider the local option. Support the things that matter to you, or they will disappear.
I have heard this issue over and over, and seen the posts over the months, and now I want to chime in. One of the biggest problems is the perception that ALL the shops in Decatur are boutiquey, and high priced. There are several that aren’t including mine….Whit’s End. I am a mini REI without the equipment, and with personalized and relaxed service. I do not have the same huge choices or options they have, but my prices are right in line with them, and many other large retailers which are much farther away and less convenient. I am not in competition with WalMart, no offense if you want to shop there, but they do not have the quality I have. I live here, and whenever I can I give to the community. I created this shop FOR the local economy. BTW, the most expensive pair of jeans I have in my store is $48, not $300. If you haven’t been in, please come by. If I don’t have it, and one of my vendors carries it, I can easily order it for you at no extra charge. We really DO need to support our local economy, yes our home values are tied into a thriving downtown commerce.
Of course there’s no moral obligation to support local business, but it might be to your benefit. I just urge everyone again to look around Decatur and see how many local stores do have very affordable options– lots of unique gifts and little treats for under $10, $20 or $30. Take a walk around to some of the local places you haven’t visited in a while during this holiday season to see what they have on offer. Terrific Thursday is a great time to check out places not normally on your route and many merchants offer the TT discounts all day long. We are part of your community and we’d love for you to come by and share a glass of wine or a cookie, even if you don’t buy a thing. Now if the rain would let up a bit…
I am puzzled by some of the comments on this post. I’m not sure why many seem to have an almost anti-Decatur business tone. Having worked in Decatur in the early 1980’s, I know what this town was like prior to the resurgence of business and development i. We don’t want to go back there. If small business aren’t supported by the community and they fail, Decatur can return to the drab, ghost town that it was.
Actually, Jeff, when you posted recently to the “Decatur-centric holiday gifts” thread, I put Whit’s End on my list of places to shop – I’m going to bring my kids there and let them pick out a gift for Dad. So I look forward to coming in soon.
I agree that there are many great options locally. If money were no object, I’d never darken the doors of Wal-Mart again. I mean, who wouldn’t love to NOT have to shop at Wal-Mart? It’s a total drag. I don’t know anyone who turns their noses up at the selection, quality, or charm of local businesses, but I do know plenty of people who are feeling the pinch like we are.
For holiday gifts, I’m going to buy locally as much as possible. However, for everyday shopping, Sawicki’s, Cooks, Squash Blossom and other higher-end boutiques, etcetera, is simply not an option for our family, as much as I wish it were not so.
when we can we do all our shopping and eating in decatur. mingei, melrose, grange, fleet feet, dancing goats, heliotrope, whits end, eviva, sheepish, jin jin, and many others have all gotten our business as of late. we appreciate the convenience and comfort of doing business with folks who form relationships with you and support our community and economy. trekking far away is not an option for us unless it is absolutely necessary. we lived here when there weren’t any options, and downtown decatur was not a pretty sight. our belief is that if you keep your money where you live, it will come back to you. you may pay a bit more in the beginning, but the time saved, and financial support will come back in the long run in home values, and philanthropic support. certainly some shops are higher end and pricey, but others are unique and affordable. even in this economic downturn it’s a no brainer, shop in decatur!
How about this: When my daughter walks home from Glennwood, she often takes the route through downtown. This is made possible because the retailers all along Ponce are part of the community network keeping an eye on things.
My nieces in Cumming spend an hour on a school bus while my daughter is learning how to maneuver the world at large, make decisions, manage and spend money, and interact with store employees. Try putting a value on that.
The availability of the goods you want, at competitive prices, is good, but it’s not the only value to be found on a healthy Main St. We all benefit.
Scott, and Rebecca, and others, you are preaching to the choir here. Really, I agree with you! I hope I am not coming across as “anti-decatur business” because I am certainly not. But the cold, hard reality is, our family is unable to support local businesses to the extent that we would like and that they need. My husband and I have lived in Decatur or just outside it almost continuously since 1991 and we well remember what downtown used to be like. So accuse us of riding on the coattails of those with more disposable income if you must, but don’t accuse us of being anti-Decatur business (my husband is a member of the DBA, by the way), or not appreciating the benefit of a thriving downtown business community.
Totally understood, Decatur Mom. I think there’s a lot of that going around and it’s a lot bigger than just this thread.
One thing for everyone, though: Don’t forget there are other ways to support our businesses, too. A big one is boosterism/word of mouth. I may not be overflowing with disposable cash, but I know a couple folks who are…
Thanks Decatur Mom, I look forward to welcoming you in! Yes Scott, I watch out for all the kids going by, including my own, and thank you Rebecca and others who can and do support my shop and other merchants.
decatur mom, no one has to shop at WM (just as no one is forced to shop in Decatur). Both are simply active choices and votes for a particular economic system and way of doing business. It’s much easier and powerful to live intentionally. If you are going to shop at WM, enjoy the experience there and notice what makes you inclined to return. Be grateful for all the work performed in other countries to make that shopping possible.
On the topic of wine, I would like to mention that both Sherlock’s and Kroger have weekly specials with greater discounts by the case. There are often very affordable wines featured. Decatur Package Store, although presently located outside of the City, actively benefits the local community as well. Herb Chereck, the owner, was honored with a Hometown Hero Award last week for his support of the Decatur Arts Alliance and the Decatur Youth Fund.
If there’s one Decatur business we don’t need to worry about, it’s the Brick Store. Always packed. And for good reason.
I don’t think that Lynn from Sawicki’s said that you had a “moral” obligation to support her store. If fresh, local, and organic food is not your thing, then you’d have no interest in going to her store, when you can buy meat, fish and veggies at Kroger or Wal Mart for much less than what she charges.
I think what she meant was that most Decaturites like to talk about being green, eating locally produced food, free range meat, organic foods, etc., but more often than not settle for less either out of convenience or to save a few dollars.
If you truly believe in such things, and can afford it, you should buy from her rather than Kroger. I think that’s all she meant. I’m no fan of supporting any for-profit business purely out of moral obligation.
@DecaturMom…I really hope you’re not the person who operates the DecaturMom.com website, and therefore takes payment from local businesses to plug their wares on the site.
I’m utterly confused how you and your family can’t find the money to support the neighborhood, yet your husband is a member of the DBA. Really. Really. Confused. If you’re not financially involved with Decatur businesses, I don’t understand how you are involved in the Decatur BUSINESS Association.
I’m not trying to personally attack you, but I just can’t take your comments with anything but a grain of salt after reading this thread.
Being a member of the DBA doesn’t make one any better off, so I can’t follow your reeasoning.
No, I am not the Decatur Mom that operates the Decatur Mom website. One of us is “decatur mom” and the other is “decaturmom” in blog comments.
I pointed out that my husband is a member of the DBA to illustrate the fact that we are supportive of local businesses, and, of course, he’s a member in order to develop his own business.
But like the previous poster said, I’m not sure how his membership in the DBA translates to having enough disposable income to support local businesses to the extent that we would like. Further, I said everything I wanted to say in the previous comments, and feel absolutely no obligation at all to justify my family’s financial situation to you.
Ashleigh, what on earth are you talking about? DecaturMom takes payment for postings? That’s a new one.
And Decatur Mom never said she didn’t support the neighborhood…in fact she detailed places she went to frequently. She just said she also went to Wal-Mart. I still go to Target sometimes to buy dog food and other non-perishables. There’s still a ton of stuff you can’t get in downtown Decatur outside of a chain store. Most non-perishable food, paper products, toiletries… Where is the Decatur store to purchase these things? Seriously, if you know please let me know. Let’s educate, not scold each other.
As for the DBA…I’ve heard all meetings are black-tie only.
DM, you’re wrong. DBA meetings are white-tie and long formal with 18 button gloves. The only finger foods are truffles and lobster. The only drinks are vintage Coca-Cola from 7 ounce bottles.
So this just occurred to me while returning from shopping last night for a winter hat at Whit’s End, half-price pastries at Sawicki’s, and a birthday card at Heliotrope: all of these merchants (and more) support the Decatur Shops Green program that enables you to save 10% on every purchase when you bring your reusable bag. Although this is second-nature to me, I realize it may bear repeating for those that are not familiar or have forgotten. This is a wonderful way to shop local and save money at the same time. Where else can you save 10% every day? You can purchase bags at all participating merchants; and Decatur First Bank was also offering them for customers who switched to Eco-Banking (can’t confirm that at the moment, though).
I use my bag all the time Carl…but I get the feeling that a lot of folks don’t. I used it at Mingei a couple weekends ago and was told they hadn’t seen one in there since the summer. And for the second time at Taste, the young lady behind the counter didn’t recognize it.
I agree it rules.
And quiet about those 1/2 price pastries at Sawicki’s after 6p! They’re all mine!
MANY folks have used the bag at Whit’s End! I have sold out of the bags themselves twice! I love seeing the bags, and remind folks who carry them that they will save 10% off non sale items. Its a win, win for shoppers, merchants, and the environment.
Is this discount given for using ANY reusable bag or is it only for a special bag issued by the city?
Only the City bag.
half-price pastries?!?! I’ve got to get some of that action!
Sorry DM
I never met a pastry that didn’t have my name on it.
The Decatur City bag is just the thing for shoplifting at YDFM!
I love Sawicki’s. But, what is that smell when you first walk in? Please. Anyone?