Downtown Strong: Support Downtown Keene Businesses, One Purchase at a Time

I have lived in Keene since 2013, but my connection to downtown goes back much further. For more than 40 years, I have walked these streets, shopped in these stores, eaten in these restaurants, and gotten to know the people behind the counters. (Long before I moved here, I had a relationship with stores and businesses in downtown and the Colony Mill. They were my clients, and I loved going into these small stores. (Earth Treasures, Joy of Cards, The Kitchen Store, and Smith & Vandiver were just some of a few back in the day.)

Many of those people are more than business owners to me now. They are friends.

Right now, downtown Keene is facing challenges. Construction projects, road work, traffic changes, and detours have made it harder for both residents and visitors to get around. When construction stretches on for months, it is easy to assume that businesses will somehow manage to get through it. (We went through tough times during COVID-Back then I partied up with Luca and area restaurants for Adopt-A-Caregiver.)

But many small businesses feel the impact almost immediately.

A few fewer customers each day can add up quickly. When parking becomes inconvenient or getting from one side of downtown to the other takes a little longer, some people choose to stay away until the work is finished. Let’s not do that.

The rent is still due. Employees still need paychecks. Utilities still need to be paid. Inventory still needs to be ordered.

And that is why our support matters more than ever.

The good news is that helping does not require spending hundreds of dollars. Sometimes the smallest purchase can make the biggest difference.

• A cup of coffee.
• A sandwich at lunch.
• A gift card.
• A haircut.
• A book.
• A service at a business.
• A handmade item from a local shop.
• A quick stop to grab something you would have bought elsewhere.

Construction in Downtown Keene

Every dollar spent locally helps keep a business moving forward.

Years ago, one of the newspapers I owned began a “buy local” campaign. Within a few weeks, many stores and businesses told me there was a sense of triumph, and it showed in their cash registers. I feel that “Dig In and Shop Local” in some respects where we begin here in Keene. Money is important. So, is attitude.

What I love about downtown Keene is that it has always been more than just a collection of storefronts. It is where neighbors run into one another. It is where community events happen. It is where local entrepreneurs take risks to bring something unique to our city.

Keene’s personality comes from the people who invest their time, energy, money, and heart in serving the community.

Once a small business closes, it is not easy to replace what was lost, if ever.

• We lose familiar faces.
• We lose gathering places.
• We lose pieces of our community identity.

Construction projects are temporary. The businesses that make downtown special should not have to be.

That is why I believe this is an important moment for all of us.

Instead of waiting until the construction is finished, let’s continue showing up now.

• Let’s make an intentional effort to stop in.
• Let’s choose local when we have the option.
• Let’s recommend downtown businesses to friends and family.
• Let’s share their posts on social media.
• Let’s leave positive reviews.
• Let’s remind business owners that the community sees them and appreciates them.

In many cases, a business owner has spent years building something that serves our community. During difficult seasons, encouragement can be just as valuable as a sale.

One thing I have learned over the years is that strong communities are built one relationship at a time. The same is true for strong downtowns.

• Every purchase is a vote of confidence.
• Every visit sends a message.
• Every customer matters.

The construction will eventually end. The roads will reopen. The dust will settle.

When that day comes, I hope we can look back and say that Keene stood by its local businesses when they needed us most.

Because being “Downtown Strong” is not about construction projects.

It is about people helping people.

And sometimes, one small purchase can make a very big difference.

You can do anything

Lee Johndrow is a longtime supporter of local businesses and community organizations throughout the Monadnock Region. He has been visiting downtown Keene for more than 40 years and believes strong local businesses are an essential part of building strong communities.

In the last year, I have been entertained, dined, drank, and purchased at over 25 of the downtown businesses in Keene. I love downtowns. (Over the last 45 years, I have owned downtown businesses in Hanover, Claremont, Rutland, Brattleboro, Springfield, Woodstock, and Bridgewater. I weathered sidewalk and road projects, flooding, and more. I get it.) I have attended events downtown and written multiple stories here for Positive News For You about downtown businesses and events.

Positive News For You wants to help downtown businesses. Downtown is an attraction to many who do not live here. If we can help, we want to. I have put together 5 pages of notes and thoughts that I am processing to utilize to help with this season. I/we want to help.