There are so many things out of our control. Like the newest trade war or fighting for an unlawful tariff refund. What we can control is how we treat one another and how we care for the spaces that we occupy. The Summer of 2026 was all about taking good care. We closed 3 Fridays this summer so we could cover up the merchandise and give the store a thorough cleaning from the ceiling down to the basement. We got out the touch up paint and we vacuumed all the Zooguu sculptures around the store. We deep cleaned in places that you might not even know about. But we knew.
And to congratulate ourselves on working hard we also played hard. We spent a Friday after work at Sacco's Bowl Haven. 25 of us headed to Davis Square to bowl, eat pizza, enjoy some gluten-free cake, decorate t-shirts, and laugh. There was even some knitting. Caitlin and Lisa G. set up the tables and coordinated with the excellent team at Sacco's. And Caitlin brought some disposable cameras which is where these awesome candid photos came from.
One of the hardest parts of being in retail and keeping hours that work with so many students and professionals, we are open 7 days a week. And four of those nights we don't get out of the shop until after 9 PM. Opportunities for everyone to get together are pretty slim. Holidays are already planned with family and close friends. Days off filled with errands and personal projects. The one guarantee we wouldn't have a work conflict was to close. And I'm really glad we did.
gather here has never looked better. The economy, the red tape, the unpredictability of "everything" has knocked us down, but hey, we get up again. And we at least know we're in it together. Even if none of us are going to be champion Candlepin bowlers. I hope you took time out this summer to take good care. To try something new. And to celebrate your team.