Don’t let rain end the day

If Tanglewood is the draw to summer tourism and Lenoxology is the promotional gimmick to the world, then shouldn’t the retailers become more resilient in their hours of operation?

Some days, there is rain. This happened just last week.

While people were huddled under canopies and stood in doorways what became apparent to this observer was that many of the retail shops were closed.

Whatever happened to the Lenox business community remaining open before, during and after a Tanglewood concert? This is the time to make money!

Rain on Nantucket means shoppers in the stores. Simple.

The beaches are wet, the surf is up and where do shoppers go? To the marketplace.

What happened to the entrepreneurship of the local merchant?

The merchant wants the people (us) to deliver the customers to the door, pick out the items and ring them up, bag the items and run their credit cards. Gee. I thought that was the merchant’s job.

The Lenox Chamber of Commerce should, as policy, bring forth its members to be open for the 10-week Tanglewood session, helpful and courteous – all selfishly to help their bottom line.

It is too early to tell if the tourists came to Lenox and if they spent money in the restaurants and shops this summer. One reason is that with the new sidewalks and bump-outs, there seems to be limited space to park.

But one thing is clear: The shopkeepers weren’t open to grab the cash. It’s time to take stock and review the business plan for oneself and also for the community-at-large.

Did the chamber of commerce ever think of bringing the Tanglewood students, along with the students from Boston University, to play independently in downtown Lenox? It could be one or two or even three positioned in various spots to bring some joy and harmony to the historic district.

The students would probably play just for the applause and maybe a tip or two. So, rain brings money, sunshine and clear nights bring joy to our visitors. And music is a given.

Posted by George C. Jordan III on September 6, 2012. Filed under Editorials,Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry