Another One Bites the Dust

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Thank you, Mark. And thank you for dropping by to listen.

It’s been awhile since I’ve given you an update on our tiny mall. So …

Another Store Gone

Last week another store disappeared. It was a small clothing store and apparently just didn’t generate enough business to survive.

The small clothing store that closed in our mall last week.

I took my wife there the week before they closed because they were selling everything at 80% off. She found a couple of items she wanted and was trying them on. Meanwhile, I was checking out things like the shelving to see if I could get a good deal on some of that stuff.

But I felt the Lord wanted me to talk to the clerk. I looked at her standing alone in the mostly empty store, and I thought she might need some encouragement.

I walked over to her as she waited near the cash register and asked what she would be doing after the store closed.

She said she didn’t know. She was applying for jobs and had interviews scheduled but no offers so far.

I’m glad the Lord sent me her way and I tried to encourage her, knowing how challenging it can be going through such a transition.

A Changing Mall

When I do my walk in the mall now, in addition to the ex-clothing store, I walk past three more empty spots.

I believe this store has been empty for about a year.

A large empty store. It’s big enough to hold a church, but that’s another story.

This is the small store space that housed the See’s Candy store during Christmas. I wonder if it will remain empty until the next Christmas season rolls around again.

Christmas Leftovers

Here are a couple of things I’ve noticed about some of the stores that are open for business in our mall.

Several still have Christmas displays in their windows.

It’s almost the middle of March.

Don’t they have the employees to create new displays or are they hoping a residual Christmas spirit will draw people into their stores to buy stuff?

And a few stores even have super discounts on unsold Christmas items.

Like I said, it’s the middle of March.

Did they miscalculate their Christmas inventory, or did they simply not have enough customers?

BOOKS YOU MIGHT LIKE

I want to recommend a couple of books that might interest you. Whether you lean right, left, or steer clear of politics altogether, understanding the people in leadership roles is always valuable.

Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance

Originally published in 2016, this fascinating memoir tells the story of a poor kid from a fractured family who would go on to become a Marine, a Yale graduate, a lawyer, a U.S. Senator, and eventually the Vice President of the United States. It is a deeply personal story of struggle and success.

Government Gangsters by Kash Patel.

When Kash Patel was appointed to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation, critics pointed to his lack of FBI experience. This book is a behind-the-scenes look at Washington’s bureaucracy, as Patel shares his extensive background working with government agencies and offers insight into how bureaucracies function—and how they can be reformed.

Both of these books are well worth the read.

NOTE: I am an Amazon Associate, so if you click on the links to either of those books and buy them, I get a cut … a very small cut … of the sale.

Before I go, I’d like to share a blessing with you from the Old Testament.

“May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord’s face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor, and give you his peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26 (The Living Bible)

Until next time … be the reason someone smiles today