Best/worst of times. . .

While the pandemic continues there are some indications things may be improving. Indeed, there’s much turmoil now about how to move ahead with restarting the economy, reopening businesses and returning to some sense of “normal”. The past few months have been unprecedented, challenging, disappointing; for some the worst of times. Sadly, we are aware of, have heard of, people closing their letterpress businesses, unable to weather the economic downturn; faced with the reality of not being able to continue or recover. Yet for others opportunities have opened, new avenues of endeavor are being engaged; for some it’s the “best of time”, a time to take advantage of circumstances to start/build/improve one’s letterpress setup.

Over the past several months a number of individuals who have just recently purchased a press, or who have had a unit but haven’t had the time to pursue letterpress further, have contacted us. We’ve worked one-on-one to show/explain the various supplies and items needed to equip a working letterpress operation. This includes assembling “kits'“ tailor made to the print direction a person intends to pursue.

Mind you, providing information and detail about letterpress “thing’s” is a natural extension of the Store itself. In the store you can see/handle “things”, ask questions, get advice. But many simply can’t get here, so we try to provide the next “best” thing online, over the phone.

When not on the phone, we’ve been expanding/reorganizing the Floor, getting ready for that first Open Date. Massachusetts has announced a 4-phase plan to reopen the state starting May 18th. It’s a bit nebulous, no set dates for the different phases. All depends on the progression of the virus.; as the numbers are trending, we may be able to reopen early-to-mid June. Certainly hope so, really anxious to show off the new layout. John B