Wilson's of Wickford More than Halfway to $148,000 Goal to Save Business

With just four days left before their Crowdtilt fundraising campaign to save their business, Wilson's of Wickford has raised more than $80,000 so far and the $148,000 goal is starting to appear within reach.

On Thursday, Rhode Island Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello visited the store and said though it's unlikely the store would get a legislative grant because he wouldn't "pick and choose" which Rhode Island businesses to get direct help, he and state leaders are bringing a renewed focus on jobs and the economy.

Mattiello was joined by Rep. Robert E. Craven, (D-Dist. 32, North Kingstown) who said Wilson's has been a staple of the community and inherent landmark.

“I thought it best to reach out to the speaker so that he can continue his ongoing efforts to understand exactly what Rhode Island small businesses are facing and how state lawmakers can assist them. Family-owned businesses like Wilson’s need to be heard, and I am doing everything in my power to ensure they have a voice in the future of our economy," Craven said.

The legislators told the store owners that they hope to make it easier to run a small business in Rhode Island and Craven mentioned that his recent appointment as Chair of the House Municipal Government Committee has given him some power to address how small businesses and local government work together.

Jim Wilson, the steward of the 70-year family business legacy, said the decision to turn to a crowdfunding campaign was painful and difficult. There have been smaller bids and offers, he said, "but not enough to fix the situation" for good. 

"We could accept smaller Band-Aids but we would then just have Band-Aids," Wilson said. "I designed this [campaign] to fix the situation."

They need a Web site. They need to be able to sell online. The point-of-sale system and accounting software needs to be upgraded. And unless reach the fundraising goal, there won't be any arrivals of new clothes to put on the shelves come July 31. And that all but assures the shop would shut down by August.

"We're looking to reinvent the store," Wilson said. "We hope to keep the best and restock our shelves with old friends and add some new ones . . .and Crowdtilt is the best way to make it happen."