Don't Shop Lowe's ... Shop Local

Big box home improvement chain Lowe's attaches the tagline "Never Stop Improving" to its television ads. But this week, Lowe's corporate self-improvement efforts ground to a halt when it caved to pressure from an anti-Muslim organization and pulled its advertising from the reality show "All-American Muslim," which depicts the lives of five families in Dearborn, Michigan.

It's a shame that such a large and influential company, which claims to be "strongly committed to diversity and inclusion," would bend to the will of an intolerant group set on undermining the religious freedoms that this country was founded on.

Lowe's has the right to advertise wherever it chooses, of course. And we as consumers have the right -- the power-- to shop where we choose, and spend money in a way that is most aligned with our values. So where should we go to pick up that snow shovel and rock salt for the winter, or the tools and materials for home renovations?

Our district's many family-owned hardware stores are a great answer for those of us who would like to shop at businesses that respect our neighbors. As I've noted before, small business owners frequently live in the community and remain invested in our neighborhoods economically and socially. They frequently provide jobs to local residents, take the "high road" in how they relate to neighbors, workers, and the environment, and also have a proud record of supporting local not-for-profit groups.

Mazzone Hardware on Court Street and 4th Place is a shining example of a family-owned business that gives back to the community. Mazzone's has served Carroll Gardens since 1950, and owner Vincent Mazzone is a tireless community activist who has worked to improve the neighborhood for more than 40 years.

Here's a list of other local hardware and home-improvement stores that were nominated recently for our Shop Local campaign:

Kensington
Bobman's Hardware and Houseware

Park Slope
Brooke's Appliances
J&R Appliances
Leopoldi's Hardware
Tarzian Harware

Windsor Terrace
Brooklyn Hardware

Borough Park
Boro Park Lumber & Home Center
Budget Maintenance Supplies

If you have other local hardware and building supply stores to recommend, let us know here.

As you may know, we’ve been trying to raise awareness about the importance of small businesses with Shop Local. This month we visited the Painted Pot, a pottery studio in Carroll Gardens with classes for both children and adults; Ballard Pharmacy, a local favorite known for its low prices and excellent service; and Music Matters, an independent music store in Park Slope that uses Facebook to keep customers in the know.

Visit the Shop Local page on my website for the full Spotlights and for discounts to these stores. You have already nominated so many outstanding businesses in your communities, and I'm looking forward to bringing you more in the New Year. Please continue to nominate your favorite stores here.

Let's not let big-box corporations put up walls that divide our communities. Instead, let's hammer away at racism and Islamophobia, and work on restoring American values of inclusion, community, and personal freedom.

See you in the plumbing aisle!

Brad

PS: There is another way you can support local businesses this season. The Seventh Avenue Merchants Association is looking for feedback on their district so that they can better meet the needs of businesses, shoppers and residents in the district. If you are a resident of Seventh Avenue or do your shopping here, please fill out this brief survey and let them know what you think.