Supporting Asheville: A Call for Community Love After Helene
Asheville, N.C. – It’s been almost seven weeks since Hurricane Helene made its presence felt in Western North Carolina, and the impacts are still very much alive in the heart of Asheville. Local businesses are finding themselves in a tight squeeze, and they could really use your support right now!
Unemployment Claims on the Rise
The North Carolina Department of Commerce has reported a staggering 26,291 disaster-related unemployment claims linked to Helene. In Buncombe County alone, which includes Asheville, around 50% of these claims are coming from residents in the area. While this news is concerning, the real worry for many downtown businesses is their own survival. They’re hoping to avoid adding to the unemployment numbers by attracting more customers back through their doors.
Local Shop Stories
Take Shining Rock Goods, for example. This charming store on Wall Street is known for its stunning collection of leather goods and boasts having the largest collection of belt buckles in the entire country! Rebecca Hecht, their brand ambassador, mentioned that even though they managed to reopen quickly, foot traffic has been dismal. “We were expecting October to be busy, just like every year. We stocked up on inventory, but then came the reality of 80% less sales than normal,” she shared. Hecht went on to say they are incredibly grateful for local shoppers who have come in, but it’s simply not enough. “We depend on tourism and visitors, so we encourage everyone nearby to come and take an overnight trip!”
A Winter of Worry
With winter approaching, Hecht expressed that the looming uncertainty is creating high anxiety among local business owners. The struggle of balancing the costs of keeping doors open versus the actual benefits is significant. “Some shops have already closed,” she confided. “There’s just worry, I would say.”
The Art Community in Need
Moving a few blocks to Patton Avenue, we find the Asheville Gallery of Art. Board member Bee Adams highlighted the importance of keeping the gallery open, not just for the local artists affected by the storm, but for the community’s morale as well. “We had artists whose work was swept away. Some had trouble accessing their homes due to bridges being out,” Adams explained. While the gallery itself is unscathed, the quiet atmosphere inside reflects the impact of the storm. She elaborated on how patrons not only support artists financially but also lift their spirits, something that’s desperately needed right now.
Vintage Vibes and Kindness
Over on Lexington Avenue, Honeypot Vintage is navigating these tough waters one day at a time. Owner Sara Legatski emphasized the significance of community support by saying, “Remind everyone that we do want visitors and people need money here.” Just like her fellow business owners, she is focused on getting through the winter. “I’d consider myself lucky if we hit 50% of our regular sales,” she mentioned, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
A Warm Invitation
Despite the current challenges, Asheville’s downtown is welcoming visitors with open arms and even offering free parking in the area! So if you’re nearby, consider dropping by to explore the unique shops and support local businesses. There’s a lot of talent and passion waiting to be discovered, and the community’s resilience needs your help to shine brightly again.
Asheville is open, thriving with spirit, and ready to bounce back. Your visit could make a world of difference!
