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  Home Page » Opinion » Letters To The Editor » Local Businesses Should Share Respect

Local businesses should share respect

by Amy Moreno, Durango
I love local businesses. I love the specialized products and whimsical treasures, the homemade goodies, the businesswoman who lives next door, trying to make it happen in difficult economic times. I am insistent on buying locally whenever possible. I hate chains and would love it if those were the stores going out of business.

I understand that sometimes I will pay more locally, because the business owner has ridiculous rent, but I am willing to make that sacrifice. I am the type of person that will tip, hugely, if I am treated well.

However, I need to feel that support and love back. I have had terrible customer service lately at some local joints. I have been treated outright rudely, like I am putting the sales- people out by walking in their door.

You would think that in this economy, business owners would put in extra effort to make their customers want to come back. Should I name names? No, I don't think I will. I would like to think that maybe it was just several bad days; maybe the fifth time I come in will be the time that I am treated right. Or will I even give them a fifth chance?

So, to that shop that I love to get breakfast at: Yes it might take a minute for me to decide what to get. Be patient, don't roll your eyes and sigh. To that store that I have been in twice and never greeted: There is another store just a block north that really appreciates my business.

To the shop that didn't even want to try to help me: Office Depot was happy to help me and charged me less. To the bartender who refused to serve me because I just came from a sports practice and didn't seem to have the right attire: I was happy to go two doors down and be treated with respect, regardless of my appearance.