Waving the flag for the community
One way for a hardware store to embrace its community while celebrating Independence Day is to offer flags. An even better way: give away 2,200 flags.
That was the plan, which was successfully executed, by the team at K&B True Value of Annapolis, Md., this past Fourth of July. And, according to Jared Littmann, owner of K&B True Value, the move generated heart-warming responses from all kinds of people throughout the community.
One customer wrote: “This most iconic symbol of American freedom reminds us who we are as Americans, no matter what injustices or violence are perpetrated against individuals and communities, our democracy will prevail.”
Independence Day wasn’t the only event that called for unity in Annapolis the week of the flag distribution.
“We had been planning on doing this for a few months, but as it turned out, it was less than one week after the shooting at our local newspaper's offices, killing five journalists,” Littmann wrote in an e-mail to HBSDealer. “The town has been shaken up by it, along with the general political turmoil (this is an election year in Maryland), so it seems that the flag distribution was especially appreciated this year.”
Flags were planted in various neighborhoods next to mailboxes by groups of volunteers, who received a cash incentive from the store. the volunteers included Cub Scouts (packs 422 and 153), high school students raising money for their upcoming prom, and members of the Peggy Stewart Tea Party Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
At the same time, K&B True Value collected 127 flags that were faded and ready to be retired. These flags were turned over to the Cub Scouts, who will conduct a ceremony for proper retirement and disposal.
The flag promotion was tied back to a deal at the store. A small sticker on each flag identified K&B True Value and promised 50% off deals.
That was the plan, which was successfully executed, by the team at K&B True Value of Annapolis, Md., this past Fourth of July. And, according to Jared Littmann, owner of K&B True Value, the move generated heart-warming responses from all kinds of people throughout the community.
One customer wrote: “This most iconic symbol of American freedom reminds us who we are as Americans, no matter what injustices or violence are perpetrated against individuals and communities, our democracy will prevail.”
Independence Day wasn’t the only event that called for unity in Annapolis the week of the flag distribution.
“We had been planning on doing this for a few months, but as it turned out, it was less than one week after the shooting at our local newspaper's offices, killing five journalists,” Littmann wrote in an e-mail to HBSDealer. “The town has been shaken up by it, along with the general political turmoil (this is an election year in Maryland), so it seems that the flag distribution was especially appreciated this year.”
Flags were planted in various neighborhoods next to mailboxes by groups of volunteers, who received a cash incentive from the store. the volunteers included Cub Scouts (packs 422 and 153), high school students raising money for their upcoming prom, and members of the Peggy Stewart Tea Party Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
At the same time, K&B True Value collected 127 flags that were faded and ready to be retired. These flags were turned over to the Cub Scouts, who will conduct a ceremony for proper retirement and disposal.
The flag promotion was tied back to a deal at the store. A small sticker on each flag identified K&B True Value and promised 50% off deals.