I love little mom & pop gas stations / stores. My wife and I used to get some of the best Fried Chicken at one in Lynchburg, VA. The feel and layout of the store is country and the service is unforgettable. It has the big barrels of sodas filled with ice that you can loose your arm in finding the right one, old school candy, and if you need worms and tackle for a day at the pond…look no further than the next aisle.
Last night I stopped in a store just like the one described above with my 3yr old daughter (Norah). They saw her when we walked in and said, “Hey…beautiful.” Of course, I answered back thinking it was me. I should have known it was all about Norah. On the way to check out, they asked if she wanted a flower and then handed her a pink carnation. I said thank you, asked how much that would be, and mentioned that it was okay to add the flowers to the total. Both women behind the counter answered, “Oh no, the owner hands out flowers to all the girls / women on Friday nights.” That is something I will always remember about that place. When was the last time you have been surprised by customer service?
“Mom and Pop” shops are unlike any other business. It is sad and regrettable that so many small independent businesses have been shut down by big box stores.
Local economy is a global problem. Canadians and Americans (and Europeans) recognize that global trade dominated by large transnationals with little or no care for the communities they operate in, are a common problem around the globe.