PADUCAH — After Christmas, it might be tempting to take unwanted gifts back to the store to return them. Local small businesses urge customers to consider swapping out an unwanted item rather than a cash refund.
Kathy Musser is the co-owner of Messy Cat Creations in downtown Paducah. She said each transaction matters when it comes to paying the bills and continuing to grow the business.
“We really do hope that people will exchange as opposed to want a refund. Because, I mean, every sale counts for us. Every sale helps pay the rent and utilities, and it gives us supply money so that we can create more art,” said Musser.
Messy Cat Creations offers custom creations for customers who do not see what they’re looking for in store. Photo taken in Paducah on December 28, 2024.
Bobby Wheeler, owner of Game Galaxy in Paducah, said he saw triple his average weekly sales during the week of Christmas. His store typically doesn’t give out cash refunds unless an item is defective.
Instead of cash, customers can bring items in for in-store credit.
“I mean, being retro, older stuff, I mean, a lot of people might have this game, and it might not work, and they could buy ours and potentially swap it out, you know what I mean, bring back one that doesn’t work and then it’s a loss two times because we lost the initial sale and then we can’t sell the item because it doesn’t work,” said Wheeler.
Messy Cat Creations sells handmade items such as jewelry, stickers, hats and more. Photo taken in Paducah on December 28, 2024.
Musser said one reason to support local businesses is that they diversify shopping experiences.
“I think for variety, I mean when you go to Walmart, you see the same thing you’re going to see at Target. You see the same thing you’re going to see at any box store. Where a small business, we have a lot of different artists Downtown, and none of us do the same thing,” said Musser.
She added that when customers shop locally, they’re helping small businesses to cover overhead costs such as rent, utilities, and supplies.
Bobby Wheeler said his biggest sellers during the week of Christmas were Pokémon related items and Wii systems. Photo taken in Paducah on December 28, 2024.
“You’re helping your neighbors because that’s what we are. We’re your neighbors, friends, and family, so if you want to help your neighbors, friends, and family, shop small,” said Musser.
Wheeler said customers who support small businesses like his encourage him.
“Thank you so much. I really appreciate people shopping locally. Yeah, you might be able to get it somewhere else it- it just it helps me a lot and it gives me a lot of hope for the future of our business,” said Wheeler.
