Go to Mom & Pop when a shopping trip is needed
America is addicted to the mega-chain stores. From Walmart, to Target, to CVS, to Home Depot, to Giant, to McDonald’s, to Best Buy … and on down the line.
Don’t get me wrong. They have served their purpose. But they have also created and fed the addiction of American consumers … to the point where they instinctively make a mindless trek to the doors of these chain stores.
And all of this is at the expense of the Mom & Pop stores that have been the backbone of American business for centuries.
In recent years there has been a movement to promote these locally owned businesses. It is called Small Business Saturday … and it immediately follows Black Friday, the November day of shopping hysteria.
Unfortunately, many people regard this promotion of small business as merely a sympathetic effort toward entrepreneurs who have been run over by the mega-wheels of large chain stores. What they are missing is the solid reasons for patronizing local small businesses.
A number of recent reminders have highlighted the innate advantages to shopping locally … avoiding the chain stores … and engaging in a face-to-face exchange of goods and money, rather than the impersonal nature of shopping online.
A friend recently related his experience at Zummo’s Hardware Store, on Main Street in Norristown. The store has been there for as long as I can remember.
This shopper lives in East Plymouth Valley and probably was a minute or two closer to some of the large chain stores. After admitting surprise at his hardware choice, he fired back quickly: “Are you kidding me? I’m tired of those big stores. It’s impossible to find anything. Even harder to find an employee. And, when you do, they say they have to call someone else.
“At Zummo’s, I just walk up to the counter and they help me. It’s amazing, they have everything. And they know exactly where it is. And, if I need help — which is most of the time — they give me advice.”
While this may sound like an advertisement for Zummo’s, it isn’t. It is a public admission that the addiction to large chain stores often has clouded the rational reasons for shopping small … shopping local … shopping with someone you can trust.
I also know many people who drive past scores of large jewelry stores in the malls and shopping centers to visit Inside Jewelers on West Chester Pike in Broomall. Owner Nick Giovanangelo seemingly knows everyone who comes in his door. And, if not, he makes every effort to become their new best friend. It is a different kind of personal service.
On the culinary side, the thought never crosses the mind to buy pizza from any of the chain stores — not when we have a selection like Via Veneto’s, Charlie’s, Nippers, Bravo Pizza, Palermo, Franzone’s, Tony & Joe’s and Collegeville Bakery in the area.
Chicken? Put Colonel Sanders on hold and try Speck’s Broasted Chicken in Collegeville or HillTop Drive-In in Pottstown.
Water Ice? Yes, Rita’s has exploded with franchises just about everywhere. But there is nothing like walking up to the tiny window at Buddy’s on East Main Street in Norristown and getting the traditional lemon-flavored water ice, with real pieces of lemon in it.
When it comes to meats, every supermarket has a meat section. But there is nothing fresher than the many different cuts available daily at Carl Venezia Meats on Germantown Pike in Plymouth Valley. And they will even tell you the best way to cook it.
Every supermarket also has a fish section. Most have a limited selection and freshness is a coin toss. Whole Foods has made a reputation for large selection but the prices are too much for most household budgets. Instead, many people insist that Assi Asian Market on Welsh Road in North Wales is the best spot for guaranteed fresh seafood … at an affordable price.
And when it comes time to get vitamins and homeopathic medicines, forget the national chains. Again, finding what you want is a problem and there seldom is anyone who can really help you. Instead, the staff at Holly Hill Health Foods — right down the street from Assi Market – has the largest selection of homeopathic items and vitamins. Their staff is well-trained in the natural and alternative medicines some people prefer.
Finally, there are the large chain convenience stores and coffee shops. They spend millions on advertising … trying to convince Americans that they cannot live without their products.
A perfect substitute is Ana’s Corner Store on Township Line Road in East Norriton. They feature Café Excellence coffee, locally roasted and distributed. They have all of the typical convenience items. And their assortment of homemade, prepared foods makes it the perfect pre-dinner stop on the way home from work.
And, before you run to the nearest Wawa for “Hoagiefest,” consider the number of great independent sandwich shops — many within walking distance of one of the local Wawa stores.
Places like Pudge’s on Route 202 in Center Square, Lou’s on East Main Street in Norristown, Amici on Broad Street in Lansdale, Pepper’s on Town Center Road in King of Prussia, Luigi & Giovanni’s in Newtown Square, Taluto’s in West Norriton, Corropolese Bakery and Deli on Old Arch Road in East Norriton, Sessano’s at the Hut on Crooked Lane in King of Prussia, Old Original Nick’s Roast Beef in West Chester and Grumpy’s Handcarved on High Street in Pottstown have been specializing for years in hoagies and sandwiches that put “Hoagiefest” to shame.
In each case, shoppers can look across the counter and receive service from someone they may know … or will quickly befriend after a few visits.
It’s the way America used to do business … “back in the day.” And, in many cases, it is still the best way to do business … with someone you know.
Tony Leodora is president of TL Golf Services, host of the weekly GolfTalk Live radio show on WNTP 990-AM and host of the Traveling Golfer television show — as well as editor of GolfStyles magazine. He is former sports editor of The Times Herald.