10/04/2026
PIVOT OR CLOSE THE DOORS??
This is quite a bit off course for me but I feel there is a conversation that needs to be had about small businesses and CHANGE.
Small businesses are struggling, and doors continue to close.
Every week, it seems like we see another post announcing that a longtime business is closing its doors. Then come the comments from “customers” some who haven’t been in all year, decorated their homes with items from Kirkland’s, purchased all their Christmas gifts from Amazon, and then say:
“This is so sad.”
“I can’t believe it.”
“Why did they close?”
“We’ve lost another one.”
“I wish someone could have saved it.”
“Why did they change it?”
The list goes on…
But there’s a part of that conversation we don’t have nearly enough:
What happens BEFORE the doors close?
For many small businesses, there are months—or even years—of trying to hold on. Trying to get those same customers that are in their communities, that are shopping at Kirkland’s, Amazon, or whichever big-box store you want to use to fill in the blank, back through their doors.
All while continuing to do things the same way they’ve always been done because “those customers like it that way.”
And I want to make something VERY clear:
The Rusty Rooster is NOT struggling.
We’re excited about where we are, and we’re even more excited about where we’re going.
But we’re PAYING ATTENTION.
We’re paying attention to the businesses that close. The ones that are struggling. Changes in shopping behavior. Trends in multi-vendor spaces. And, most importantly, we’re paying attention to the businesses that are evolving, pivoting and THRIVING.
And we are NOT willing to wait until we’re struggling to make changes.
If we allow ourselves to become complaciant, ignore how people shop today, or refuse to evolve simply because “that’s how it’s always been,” because “they’ve changed,” because “it’s too expensive,” or because we’re afraid a few customers—or even a few partners—may not like the changes, eventually WE could be the next small business everyone is sad to see close.
We do not intend to let that happen.
We chose to PIVOT BEFORE THAT.
I can care deeply about what every customer thinks—and I do—without allowing the fear of disappointing a few people to prevent us from making decisions that are right for the future of this business.
So yes, you’re seeing some things happening at The Rusty Rooster.
And we are incredibly blessed to have nearly 10,000 square feet to do it!
There is room here for ALL of it.
Antiques. Vintage. Collectibles. New Retail. Handmade goods. One-of-a-kind treasures. Specialty items. And experiences that give people another reason to walk through our doors.
Adding something NEW does not mean taking away something OLD.
It means giving MORE people MORE reasons to walk through our doors—and helping make sure those doors stay open for many more years to come.
Right now, you’re seeing the messy middle, not the finished product.
Give us a little time.
There’s plenty of room in this Roost for everyone. 🖤🐓
And to every person who shops with us, shares our posts, tells a friend about us, attends our events, supports our Collection Partners, or simply walks through our doors to see what’s new—THANK YOU.
We appreciate your support more than you know. We know change isn’t always easy, and we’re incredibly grateful to those of you who are excited to grow right along with us.
We’re building the next chapter of The Rusty Rooster, and we’re so glad you’re here for it. 🖤
-Angela
Something Old. Something New. Something Handmade. Something Unexpected.
