This year, more than ever, Genise Horsley thinks Give Back Friday is incredibly important.
“We’re excited it’s going to go on this year,” she said.
Co-owners of The Clothing Cove and Tenacity Boutique, Horsley and her husband, Eric, founded the event, which strives to do some good along with making some money on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.
This year has been one of chaos, one of learning how to cope and working to turn things around. Though things are better than they were in March when businesses were forced to shut down, Horsley said, “I think to say anyone is doing extremely well is a falsehood.”
While some store owners in Milford are able to cover all their hours within the family, others, like Horsley, are still working to get staffing just right.
Key to the equation is keeping their businesses running safely. Horsley said they take all the precautions they can and believes that’s true for other Milford businesses. “I think all of us are looking to keep our customers safe and staff safe.” That’s really not new: town merchants “all have their best interests at heart.”
It’s a bit challenging to give at this time, but, Horsley explained, “Sometimes, when we give sacrificially, it’s a bigger blessing…. “The Bible talks about giving whether it’s easy or whether it’s difficult.”
She’s learned a lot this year, she said, and despite any difficulties that came the Horsleys’ way, she “wouldn’t give it back for anything.”
The Horsleys will give a portion of proceeds to Hope Against Trafficking, based in Pontiac. “It’s a beautiful ministry and we love to give to that.”
Even with businesses struggling with COVID-19, “they still need help. The work doesn’t stop because the world is stopped. For many countries, America is their hope, their light; people are starving because America is not giving to charities. The care for people doesn’t stop just because businesses are closing.” Horsley’s stores also will offer specials for the day’s shopping, as will many others downtown. She said the ways the stores help are very individual and creative. “It’s a beautiful thing to watch. It’s a blessing to be able to give. We’re still excited to see what the future holds.”
The Clothing Cove and Tenacity Boutique will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, but individual stores may have their own hours. Horsley suggests checking their webpages, Facebook pages or calling ahead.
Cindy Landry, owner of After the Rain, said her business will be donating a portion of the proceeds to Community Sharing and also will make a donation to the new Milford Independent Cinema.
“It’s a great way to kick off the Christmas season, especially this year, because it’s been such a hard year,” she said.
One of the great things about Milford, added Landry, is that the “wide variety of stores make it easy and convenient and fun to shop. I personally am so grateful for my customers. They are the best.”
Give Back Friday isn’t just helping out charities, she said. “Customers need to realize when they come in our stores and buy stuff they’re supporting their community” as well as keeping businesses open. “I think it’s great that we’ve turned it around … giving back in some way. It’s a good vibe to have, I think.”
Stephanie Ames, who, along with husband Marc, owns Blue Birch Outfitters, which opened March 1 and had to shut down March 23. It then reopened when allowed for curbside pickup and later, was able to have customers come inside with restrictions on occupancy, etc.
This is her first-ever Give Back Friday. The store will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day.
She’s excited but she is still working on details. “We’ll be donating a portion of our sales. We’ll have specials in the store.”
It’s also a chance to raise awareness of the outdoor lifestyle store, which includes clothing, backpacks, outdoor gear and shoes for men, women and children. It’s in the former Main Street Art Building.
Due to the pandemic and its aftermath, Ames hopes to change the fact that “some people don’t even know I’m here.”
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November 12, 2020 at 12:43PM
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Give Back Friday is on! - Spinal Column Online
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