Why is it that when you want to do things, need to do things, stores are closed. People need jobs, businesses need business, we want to support business. So why are people getting shut out? 

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Like many people, I work during the week. Sometimes I'll take part in work related events that require my participation late at night and on the weekends but 99.9% of the work I do is done Monday through Friday 9-5 (aka 5:30am-1pm).

Last weekend, I found myself with a day that was wide open. Nothing to do, no plans and nothing that required my involvement. No family obligations, no chores, no pressing matters. So, I aimlessly took to the road "looking for adventure and whatever comes our way".

Its the weekend! The time when most people, like myself, can go to stores and bring my local dollars to local business. Cause... that's how it works. I can't patronize stores, shops and restaurants during the week cause that's when I work. That's when most people work. We already established that though, right?

I thought of a place in Biddeford I wanted to go to that I never get to go because, again, during the week... yeah, you got it. I wasn't exactly sure where it was so I called ahead to be safe. Guy answers and I ask where they are in relation to Route 1. He says we're CLOSED. This was Saturday afternoon, at 1pm. "Ah, gotcha", I replied. "We'll be open on Tuesday" he follows up.

Tuesday? So they're closed Saturday, Sunday and of course Monday due to the holiday. During the last gasp of Summer business and activity, CLOSED? I never get to go to this spot and it seems I won't in the future unless I keep a full week wide open on my calendar.

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As the day progresses, I pull into two other places that have CLOSED signs facing out on the front door. Saturday afternoon as most people are free to travel around with spending dollars, CLOSED.

Did I mention I missed making it to the band that morning cause they close at noon?! What's up with that by the way? Never understood "bankers hours". Shouldn't they be our hours? That's MY money in there. That room and table and desk is in there for one reason and one reason only... cause my money is in there (and all of yours too of course, but you get my drift). Most banks close at 4 or 5pm weekdays (when most people just get out of work) and at Noon on Saturdays (when most people have just gotten their day going after being able to sleep in a little and have a normal breakfast with their family). Makes complete sense right?

Anyways, Sunday rolls around and I had a couple hours to kill before meeting up with someone and the first place I go to, CLOSED. I didn't even bother going elsewhere. As protest, I stayed in my car in a parking lot, blasted the AC and listened to CCR and Johnny Cash. Some fellas that knew about workin'!

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So where are we at America?! The day after Labor Day, I ask you where the heck are we at? We didn't come this far not serving our fellow man or walking out the back door as people walk in the front. Now I know people will say, we need a day off too! Of course you do. Maybe that day is Monday though? Or maybe you hire that good, wholesome, trustworthy kid from your town that could mind the store for a small fee so you don't lose business?! I can probably guarantee you'll cover that cost pretty easy. Being CLOSED doesn't help you business. Even if someone doesn't make many purchases, roaming through your stores might entice them to come back or tell another of your business. People driving by and seeing CLOSED on the door is quite off putting and doesn't really encourage inflow. Hey, it's your business. You can do whatever you want, but make sure you don't line up to complain when the rent is due or when you need to put food on the table.

Sunday is always a crap shoot with it being a "day of rest" and a day of church and stuff. I get that. It's not 1940 though Mr. & Mrs. Business! People can go and sing a song to God and then come by and give your cash registers some action. Being CLOSED on Sunday cause it's SUNDAY seems foolish doesn't it?

Hey listen, I'm sure people work hard. I'm no insider on how YOUR business works; what it costs to open doors or staff or to do what you do. BUT, I do know how business works and it ain't working if you're CLOSED.

 

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