A Note from Peicha Regarding Small Business Saturday

To our Vault + Vine Community,

Now, more than ever, we need each other. As a community, we must commit to supporting each other individually through mutual aid, and commit to supporting our small businesses by choosing to invest in their products over the convenience (of price, of quality, of speed) of Amazon and Big Box stores.

We understand that our products cost more. We understand that it’s not the easiest to order or find what you’re looking for with us. We understand that we’re not open 24/7. AND:

– We pay our vendors fair or above market prices.
– We offer consignment to our smaller & newer vendors with at least 70% commission.
– We support our local economy by sourcing materials and products from local businesses.
– We now pay all staff a starting wage of $15/hr.
– We offer health benefits and company-matched 401k.
– THERE ARE NO PROFITS.

All of our earnings are consistently reinvested into growing Vault + Vine. Before the pandemic, that is. Now, like most of our colleagues, it would be a victory to reach break even. It’s critical for us to hear from you, our community, that our services are valued when you choose to shop with us over our corporate competitors. Without your show of support, we and many others may not make it to the Spring.

That’s why this year’s Small Business Saturday will look a bit different. We have chosen NOT to continue our tradition of offering 20% off everything in-store. There will be no discounts. Why? Because frankly, we can’t afford to. Every penny that comes in will go directly to our staff, vendors, and expenses.

I hope that this holiday season, you will stop to consider where each of your purchases are being made, and whether your purchases are helping your local community. I hope that if you share with me how much Vault + Vine means to you, that you are truly investing your dollars within your community rather than opting for that “more affordable” option. I hope that if you’re not purchasing an item that you love from Vault + Vine, that it’s because you’ve chosen to buy directly from the artisan instead.

If we don’t choose each other over these coming weeks, and every day thereafter, my greatest fear is that this will end up being Vault + Vine’s love letter good-bye.

Still, I have hope. When I close my eyes and envision a future filled with small businesses, I see that together we are discovering the truth and freedom of community and love.

Thank you. Thank you for your financial support. Thank you always for your words of encouragement. Thank you for your patience as we muddle through together. Thank you for you.

In gratitude,

Peicha, Sarah, Sara, Meg, Kaye, Kate, Kat, Jolie, Greg, & Caroline
Vault + Vine