I can’t remember the last time I came out of the grocery store feeling satisfied, nor any store for that matter. I’ve never been much of a shopper, but lately it leaves me feeling testy. That’s because if there’s one thing that has proven consistent over the course of this pandemic, it’s that the wealthy will continue to jack prices on the general public to squeeze out one last dime so they can continue to get even richer.
Government relief programs designed to keep large business workforces were exploited to pay bonuses to CEO instead, and everyday goods from a piece of lumber to a quart of strawberries simply skyrocketed. Everything went up in price, and unfortunately that includes paper and ink.
Here at Wreckhouse Press we have steadfastly absorbed as much of the increase on our expenses as we can, if only because it rots us too. We don’t like price increases either. But as responsible business owners, at some point we must accept the inevitable. We’re going to have to raise our prices, starting in January 2022.
These won’t be major increases, just minor, but we realize that this move will likely be unpopular. We don’t enjoy this any more than you do, but if we want to continue to keep you informed and keep these local jobs we’ve created, especially for our young carriers, there’s simply no choice.
It has been over a year since we first launched the Weekly. We’ve shared your stories, your achievements, and the hurdles you’ve faced along the way. We fully intend to keep doing that.
Since August 2021 we’ve also expanded into the Bay St. George / Stephenville area. The Appalachian is published every Wednesday, and although it’s early days yet we are encouraged and are slowly providing more jobs in that region too. The growth may be slow but it is steady, and thus far the response is encouraging.
Starting a new business is a daunting enough venture, and folks thought us mad to do it during a global pandemic. That we have enjoyed success and continue to buck the trend of newspapers shutting down across the planet is due to one incontrovertible fact – local news matters.
We’re truly sorry we have to bump the price up a wee bit. If the cost of the supplies go back down (HA! HA! HA!) the price of the Weekly will too.
Please don’t take it out on our carriers. They’re all good kids and we adore them. If you have a problem or want to write a letter or complaint, we promise to publish it. We get it. We really do.
Most of all, thank you for your support. We look forward to sharing the news of these beloved communities in 2022 and for many years to come.