The blog post this week is directed toward the consumers,  yes, the customers. We have a tendency to be very hard on the merchants in our community. We place more stringent rules and guidelines for patronage on our local merchants than on the larger stores and mall merchants we often frequent. 

By no means am I downplaying or excusing the responsibility for customer, consumer-friendly service, as I agree that many of us leave a lot to be desired. I ask that we exhibit the same forgiveness and patience given to other venues and establishments. For example, if we are willing to endure 45 minute to hour long wait times for popular chain restaurants, let's give the local restaurant a break when you may have to wait twenty minutes while your meal is being prepared, freshly cooked.

Let's also be mindful that prices may be a little higher, but consider that local merchants cannot readily compete with the larger chain stores who purchase in bulk, who are in a better position to pass along better per unit costs.

Think about the cost variance in this manner. Does it make sense to drive across town and in some cases for miles to save a dollar? We burn our would-be savings in gasoline expense. We lose the value of our dollars in two ways: 1) making the purchase outside of our community and  2) the cost of gasoline also usually purchased outside of the community. We need our dollars to turn over in our community.

Many of our local products and services are publicized by word of mouth. I saw a sign in a store that stated, "If you are not satisfied with our service, please tell us and if you are pleased, tell everybody”. 

Back in the day, before television, telephones or radios, we managed to get the word around. There is no reason now, with all of the modern outlets, that we cannot spread the word when we discover something GOOD in our community.

Business Feature

Nura-Salaam Thrift Shop
Salaam Goines, Owner / Operator
424 Ocean Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07305

Nura-Salaam Thrift Shop is located in the heart of the People’s Republic of Greenville, Jersey City at 424 Ocean Avenue at the corner of Woodlawn. Nura-Salaam specializes in vintage and one-of-a-kind thrift clothing and accessories, including all natural and organic body care products for the modern inner-city male and female fashionista. Also you can find prints, paintings, photographs and jewelry by local Jersey City artists for purchase. Nura-Salaam is not only a place to shop but a place for local artists, poets, musicians and residence to have events and just get together.

learn more...

If you are interested In participating as a featured business, please contact me at:

phone: 201 303 0465 
email:    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For those in need of marketing, design and promotional materials (web or print), please contact us toll free at Deesignz Web & Graphics Studio at 888 350 9721. We will be developing start up packages to assist business owners and entrepreneurs with those needs as well.

You can also support the village by purchasing DeeClare literary titles. We have something for everyone. The Rite of Passage trilogy and our children's book, School Days make for great family reading, and interactive discussion.

Be sure to visit the Elder's Ledger every Wednesday for more on the village of which I am a proud member!

Clarence Matthews
The Elder's Ledger

DeeClare Publishing, LLC is one of the proud sponsors of The Earl Morgan Hour, aired by Go Pro Radio, a community-focused online radio show with thought provoking topics, and local guest interviews.

TUNE IN EVERY WEDNESDAY at 7:00pm at www.blogtalkradio.com/theearlmorganhour.