Local Shopping
My May local shopping was definately enlightening. I did have to take a couple of trips to the eastern slope that month and not having to stop and do the “power shop” in Gunnison on the way home was nice. Not having to unpack and put it all away after a long drive was also nice. Of course, I missed fresh produce and herbs but for the most part, I found what I needed to get by.
I really appreciate the County Store and think it would be a great asset to them to somehow? add another register in the summer months, when the lines get so long. Also, I think it would help alot if the store were a little more aesthetically pleasing. When you look past the deli, well frankly, it’s a little scary and creepy. The only sort of bad experience I had was looking in the meat counter and seeing a pork loin right up front with a WAY out of date tag on it. This will not deter me from shopping there - but I think it’s important to know that people notice these things and then come away with a certain opinion that’s not so great.
I used the local shops to purchase gifts and will continue to explore shops that I don’t normally go into as there are certain things that I didn’t realize where right here in Lake City. Excellent quality leather hand bags at the Timberline!
In comparing my April and May receipts; I spent 18% more on everything combined (food, supplies, gas, meals) while purchasing local goods in May. In light of the outrageous gas prices and the fact that it just feels good to keep my money in town as long as I can, I will continue to try and do a good deal of shopping here.
I think that alot of times, folks are just away for other reasons (doctor appts etc) and tend to pick up supplies since they are already there (Gunnison, Montrose, Grand Junction or Denver). Also, I honestly feel that it is just sometimes a thereputic need to get away from town from time to time. Those of us that live here year round need a change of pace occasionally and getting a bit of a different shopping scenary sort of goes along with that.
I think the shop local campaign was/is a great idea. Spreading the awareness and encouraging the community to at least try to spend a little more here
