Businesses will be Hurting after Marathon Bombings

In the wake of the bombings on Monday, most people in the greater Boston area want to know what they can do.  There are blood drives and charities to help the wounded and the families of the deceased.  What about the businesses on Newbury and Boylston that have either been closed completely this week or have suffered due to lack of foot traffic?

  Even though many Newbury Street shops, salons, and restaurants have re-opened, the area lacks the hustle and bustle that one would expect on such beautiful spring days.  Consider that many small business insurance policies do not cover acts of terrorism.  Mine certainly doesn’t.  Here in quiet Sudbury, MA, it would never occur to me that I would need to worry about such a horrific event.  Isn’t that what we all think, until it happens to us?  These businesses that have had to close because of Monday’s attack will receive little to no financial help from their insurance companies.  If the government makes relief funds available to them, it may already be too late.

The rent on Newbury St. and Boylston St. has historically been high.  Landmark small businesses such as J.P. Licks have been forced out due to increased rents, but many hold on.  They run unique boutiques in the basements and galleries on the upper floors.  If they don’t get our support in the coming weeks and months, they will close. 

I urge the building owners and management companies to open their hearts and take into account the events of this week.  The marathon brings people from all over the world to run the race and to enjoy our city.  The hotels that had to close rely on this week more than any other as they are favorites with runners, their families, and marathon enthusiasts.  This year the tourists that normally stroll up and down Newbury patronizing the restaurants and shopping in independently run stores, have all gone home. 

If you want to help, get some Thai food or have brunch on Newbury.  As the stores and offices on Boylston re-open, enjoy a walk in our beautiful city and buy from the many independent small businesses in the area.  I know that there are many chains and huge corporations in this section of our city, but under, above, to the left and to the right of each chain store is small business just trying to keep up.  Many of the stores on Newbury are considerably upscale, but you can still have a great meal or buy a small gift without spending a fortune.  Consider the massage therapists, acupuncturists, hairstylists and other service driven businesses that run on the upper floors of these buildings.  These businesses are not owned by huge companies.  The larger stores, particularly the clothing stores, are often staffed with employees that work on commission.  Waiters and waitresses rely on tips.  If stores close, even the larger stores, jobs will be lost.

As a small business owner, I plan to patronize these businesses in the coming months.  I shopped Newbury Street the Monday before the Marathon, and I plan to shop there next Monday.  I hope you will join me.  Let’s show the world that we are not afraid to walk our streets and that we love our entrepreneurs and everything they bring to our community.

Ilah Cibis

Owner, Precious Metals Sudbury