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Ethikli: A Beacon of Sustainability Facing Closure
In the heart of downtown Long Beach, Ethikli stands as a symbol of eco-conscious shopping, offering a unique zero-waste, vegan market experience. Yet, its future is hanging in the balance, as owner Katy Impellizzeri has issued a stark deadline: without external investment by October 31, Ethikli will shut its doors permanently. For the local community and its sustainability advocates, losing Ethikli would mark not just a closure of a store, but a poignant loss of a movement.
The Challenge of Rising Costs
Impellizzeri’s vision for Ethikli has always been to create a marketplace where customers can shop freely, without stressful decision-making over packaging or ethical sourcing. However, the realities of rising costs, intensified by recent tariffs, have put strain on the store's operations. Tariffs on Canadian goods—a significant source of Ethikli's inventory—have increased dramatically from 25% to 35%, nearly doubling some product prices. These changes have led to difficult decisions such as discontinuing some items that can no longer remain affordable.
Impact of Community Foot Traffic
As if the tariffs weren't enough, declining foot traffic in the area has also compounded Ethikli’s struggles. With fewer people visiting, sales have dropped, making it nearly impossible for the store to adapt to the increasingly unpredictable costs of sustainably sourced goods. Impellizzeri’s situation highlights a critical issue for many small businesses: how can they thrive when the very fabric of their community shifts?
The Innovative Ownership Model
In an admirable attempt to foster a sense of community and ownership, Impellizzeri revamped the store’s ownership structure. Employees who have worked there for six months can become part-owners, sharing the responsibilities and rewards of the business. This inclusive model not only empowers individuals but reflects the store's core values of sustainability and collective action. Yet, as the number of owners dwindles from seven to two, it begs the question: how can collective ownership survive in challenging times?
Funding and Future Prospects
To keep Ethikli afloat, Impellizzeri has turned to crowdfunding, launching a GoFundMe campaign with a modest goal of $5,500 to cover labor and operational costs. Moreover, she’s on the lookout for a significant investor willing to infuse between $100,000 to $150,000 into the business. This infusion would not only assist with immediate operational needs but also help expand Ethikli's online presence, ensuring that its innovative model reaches beyond the local community. Impellizzeri's vision for growth is clear: focusing on both salvage and sustainability, she aims to build a more effective marketing strategy to attract customers to both the storefront and e-commerce.
Why Ethikli Matters
Ethikli is more than just a grocery store; it’s a community project aiming to redefine the shopping experience in an environmentally conscious way. For the community of Bakersfield and beyond, supporting Ethikli transcends simply keeping a store open—it reflects a commitment to sustainability, support for local enterprises, and the pursuit of ethical consumerism. Losing such a place could have a ripple effect, deterring others from pursuing similar sustainable ventures in the future.
A Call to Action for the Community
The situation at Ethikli is urgent and serves as a rallying cry for those who value sustainable choices in their shopping habits. Local residents and environmental advocates are encouraged to contribute to the GoFundMe campaign or reach out to potential investors who share these values. As Impellizzeri puts it, the goal is to keep Ethikli running for another year to fortify the foundation it has laid—help foster a zero-waste lifestyle not only for the immediate community but also for the larger global conversation.
Supporting Ethikli is not merely about saving a grocery store; it's about standing up for a future where shopping aligns with our collective values of sustainability and health. By joining in on this campaign, you empower a business model that fights for the environment while nourishing the community.
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