This year has been brutal for lots of local businesses, but especially for those in the entertainment industry.

Live music and other performances for the better part of the year have either been cancelled, or allowed at limited capacity, or moved to outdoor spaces with limited hours.

Several music venues, performance halls, and others in the industry across the country have permanently closed, and those that are still in business in many cases are barely hanging on.

These venues have pivoted so frequently in the last nine months, they’ve worn out their shoes. They were among the first business to close when the pandemic began. They were among the last to open. Recently, they (along with other bars and restaurants) had their hours mandatorily reduced.

And while news on vaccine development may be providing a light at the end of this tunnel, the recent increase in caseload in the state have that light showing pretty faintly in the distance at this moment in time.

I guess what we’re trying to say is, George’s launched a merch store recently with some t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, coffee cups and other items, and if you enjoy live music and would like to see it return to Fayetteville someday at the level we have become accustomed to over all these years, maybe you should check it out.

The shop includes some regular logo’d items, as well as some throw-back looks available in a variety of colors.

The site officially launched on Small Business Saturday last week.

“We want to thank you all for supporting our small/local business,” read a post on Facebook announcing the site. “The George’s family loves you and loves this community. We encourage you all to shop small and shop local today, and everyday!”

Visit the new merch shop here.