Taking inspiration from the "Save the Shop Around the Corner" campaign launched by Meg Ryan's character in You've Got Mail, Jacqueline and Todd Wilson, owners of the Book Blues Bookstore, Marine City, Mich., have started a "Save the Book Blues: Shop Locally or There Will Be No Local Shops" campaign.
The Wilsons opened Book Blues in June 2006 and may have to shut its doors in the new year. But instead of abruptly closing, they have decided, as Todd Wilson put it in a statement, "to let our customers and the community know what was going on. This is not a time to be prideful or embarrassed. We felt that if the community really wanted us to stay then we should give them the chance to exhibit that."
Wilson blamed the store's difficulties on "an uncertain economy, especially in a state that is in one of the worst economic positions in the country. Add to that the fact that we are in a small, seasonal, tourist-based town and the future is not looking good." Moreover, the couple is expecting their first child in March. "Having a baby has definitely factored into this decision," Wilson added.
The Wilsons sent an e-mail and distributed a letter to customers and others about the store's problems. Jacqueline Wilson said community support has been overwhelming. "We had customers in the store crying after the letter came out, but I'm cautiously optimistic. If we can keep up this kind of interest and support without it dying down after the hype, then there just might be a chance for us."