Posted by rami (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have always thought that shopping locally is very important...but not locally as in Walmart, but locally as in family run businesses.
I hope I will not be run out of my town, so I can continue to support our local businesses.

Posted by glarson (Gwen Larson) on November 7, 2007 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rami,

Are there particular businesses at which you make a point of shopping?

Gwen

Posted by totonotinksnemore (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I had always tried to shop locally, not just for Christmas, rather as in groceries from Reebles and hardware from Bluestem....... but for so many items, they are just not available. Why is there not more emphasis put on the mal???l... Emporians, as well as surrounding towns, could come to town to shop rather than run to Topeka or Wichita.. just a thought.......

Posted by JessicaNelson (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

L&L Pets, hands down: coolest down town store in Emporia. Good employees, good owner. Diamonds by Design is an awesome store too, way better than Stanley. Graves is okay...but geez people, get with it! Take a debit card, already, wouldja! sheish.

Posted by boomer46 (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Anywhere but Emporia.

Posted by kansasjayhawks (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's a great idea to shop Emporia first. I agree with it but it's very difficult to to do it at WalMart. There is not much at the mall, there's no toy stores and let's face it things are cheaper out of town. Even with gas if you go to Topeka you can save money. Maybe if Emporia had some more shops it would be easier.......the ones we have are nice though.

I wish Graves took debit cards too.

Posted by Paccifier (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bluestem has a great toy selection at Christmas, although it is a bit focused, it still is fun. Waters does a great job helping with what needs to be found. If you know someone who plays an instrument, brass, wind, string, or percussion- Flint Hills Music always deserves a look too

Posted by Flips (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 5:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have owned small businesses & have promoted shopping at "home" for years------even if those business people I shopped with didn't shop or spend money in my business or send people to my business!

We have shopped at "HOME" in our own small communities where ever we lived & then gone to Emporia always for anything else we needed & then IF they didn't have what we needed we went to Wichita or Topeka to shop.

But we HAVE ALWAYS spent the bulk of our money in Emporia-----if it be for Christmas or any other day of the week.

BUT-----------WE ARE CHANGING THAT!!!!!!!!
My Husband & I were just discussing that this week!
We have always ------always-always always shopped & spent the bulk of our money in Emporia even when we didn't live close to Emporia!!!!

BUT NO MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We really think Bluestem Farm & Ranch is a great business & have spent tons of money there over the years-------& it will be hard to wean ourselves from there--------& if we do any shopping in Emporia it will continue to be with Bluestem!

BUT WE ARE NOT GOING TO SHOP THERE OR SPEND THE BULK OF OUR MONEY IN EMPORIA ANY LONGER!!!!!!!!!!

We are just as close to other towns as we are Emporia & we will from now on NOT be spending our money in Emporia!!!!!!!!

We don't have to go to Emporia any longer!!!!!!!!
So why-------we just don't need what the City Commissioners are bringing to that community! And we don't need their "ATTITUDE"------

There are other places-- who do want our money!!!!!!!
It breaks our hearts to see what Emporia is becoming---we have seen the change for years & years & years--------we just don't have to go there any more-------

We don't have to involve our selves with even what is going on there any more--------the CITY COMMSONERS & their actions have taken care of that for the business people in Emporia & have made up our minds for us!
And I'm sure a lot of others as well!

Posted by emporialifer (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Has Emporia ever considered sponsoring some kind of "Midnight Madness" for the Christmas Shopping Season? The idea would be to get the stores downtown to pick one day prior to Thanksgiving, because you want to get those shoppers in before the prime Christmas spending time, and stay open late (like 8 - 11 pm or 9-12 to go with the "midnight" part of the idea) that one night and offer special discounts or promotions or drawings to draw in the crowd during that time to shop Emporia first. It would be neat if downtown was all decorated and maybe they could have some local music playing Christmas Carols or have hot chocolate stands set up in different locations, etc. I always thought if we could get someone to organize more of a shopping "event" around the Christmas season then we might be able to get more patronage locally before people head out of town to buy. I realize it is too late to organize something like this for this year, but with some early planning and good advertising, I think it could be a really neat tradition to start in Emporia. Maybe there could be prizes for the best decorated store front and Art classes in our school system could help get involved. The possibilities are endless. Now if someone wants to run with my idea for next year, let me know because I would love to help with the planning. :)

Posted by Clayton (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 6 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Flips . .regarding the commission and your frustrations . .what are you the most upset about? or which multiple things if that's the case?

Posted by offc_grl76 (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 6:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WHY SHOP LOCALLY WHEN ALL YOU HAVE IS WAL-MART!!!!! Some might say that we have other local shops but do they carry the brands that our children want. NO. There are a lot of local stores that I like to shop at for my siblings but there are no stores here that we can shop at for our children and get the variety they want. You can drive to Topeka and get the same item at Wal-Mart for cheaper than our Wal-Mart here. Two years ago my daughter requested Science equipment for Christmas. I had to go out of town to find it for her because there were no stores in town that carried that. When I asked at our local Wal-Mart why they don't carry stuff like that they told me they have to carry what the population wants and the population is Hispanic. So let's cater to them Why not. Our City and County Commissioner's want to compare us with Manhattan and Junction City when it is convenient for them but they don't want to bring in the shopping like Manhattan and Topeka has. WAKE UP COMMISSIONERS

Posted by wanderer (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

While we're mentioning locally-owned downtown businesses, don't forget Town Crier. I often stopped there, even if the book could be had cheaper elsewhere, because of the extremely helpful and knowledgeable staff. Price isn't everything -- ability to help counts, too.

Posted by eiggohp (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't compare Emporia to Junction City....Junction City has a Walmart AND a Goodwill~~~but that is about all they have. I have spent a lot of time and money in Emporia and liked it, but it has changed in the last few years...and from what I have observed, not for the better. I like to spend my money in places that speak ENGLISH !!!

Posted by Flips (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Clayton-------I'm not ignoring your question------thank you very much for asking & wanting to know our reasons & for asking me that question--------but I need to be able to answer that question as ladylike as I personally am able to do & at this point I don't believe I can accomplish that-----but when I feel I can address it in as ladylike manner as possible for me--- I'll give you an answer to your question---& again thank you for asking!

Posted by cheerup (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Clayton I doubt if you will ever hear a comment back from Flips. From the comments I'm not sure that anything could make her happy.

Posted by fredmasters (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I see no reason to shop locally. Having been a carpet installer in Emporia for over twenty five years and and knowing stores hire installers from Witchita and Topeka instead of locally I see no reason to shop locally. Plus all I speak is English.

Posted by cheerup (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You stated that you only speak English. You are not very good at spelling in English. Check" Wichita".

Posted by Flips (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fred you have put down both carpet & vinyl for us in two of our homes when we were in Chase county & we could not have been more pleased with your work! Thank you for always doing a good job & quality work & being as professional as you have been in helping us in the past!

Posted by rami (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gwen: I shop at the clothing store in the 1100th block of Commercial and I do alot of Christmas shopping at Second Love. I also do some Christmas shopping in Graves and at The Oriental Market on Merchant St.

Posted by rami (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 10:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

L&L Pets is also a big stopping point for me. Wal-Mart is not the only place in town to shop but people never seem to think about the smaller businesses in Emporia.
I only speak English too and I shop at many of the Mexican owned businesses around town, I haven't had any problems with someone working not knowing English when I go in.

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 10:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If I can't get what I require at Bluestem,Fastenal,the lumberyards,Audiolite,Hill's,Jim's,or Muckenthaller's- Then maybe it's hard to get! All these places will order anything you want.If they can't,I know where the supplier is.I've had my boots redone 3 times! I've had Fastenal order special hardware from another store on the coast.It was made near that store,and only stocked there.I tend to buy better made,pro quality items.I can't afford to drive 60 miles to buy junk 3 times.So I don't buy the same junk offered in chinamart here,either.After commuting to Topeka for 25 years,no way in h..l will I get off 470 at Wanamaker after Thanksgiving.Everybody up there knows it's a good place not to be this time of year.

Posted by jigsawgirl22 (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would shop at L&L Pets if their animals weren't completely ridden with lice, mites and fungal infections.

Places I love:

Town Crier
Madelynn's
Bluestem
Burnap Bros
GameStop
(though usually I say "NO" to chains, the staff there is fantastic)

Posted by Bjnemp (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We shop Wal-Mart for groceries and incidentals but little else is bought here. We prefer to shop businesses that cater to local citizens who speak English. I don't patronize merchants who prostitute their heritage for the almighty dollar, and virtually all Emporia retailers do. Their signage is in Spanish, they advertise in Spanish, and they support Spanish-speaking radio programming on KVOE and ads in the Spanish section of the Gazette. No, when I need to spend my money I drive 55 miles north to The United States of America. Oh! I did attempt to purchase $90.00 worth of goods at Grave's Drugs back in 1996 but they wouldn't take my debit card or credit card. I left the merchandise on the counter and haven't been back since. Also---have you tried to shop Emporia on a Saturday afternoon, evening, or on a Sunday? Local retailers complain because people don't shop their stores yet they want banker's hours with nights and weekends off! Doesn't work; they'll go elsewhere, as we do.

Posted by jigsawgirl22 (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wal-Mart caters to Spanish speakers, too, Bjnemp.

Posted by dac (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Getting tired of the lame walmart. id like to see emporia get a few other places to shop. its time we get with the program.

Posted by ozma (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Shop Emporia for what? We all look alike if you shop only Emporia. The absence of any other shopping establishment makes shopping in Emporia at best boring. I do not speak Spanish. I am waiting for the FREE Spanish lessons and classes for Americans. For Emporians. Our City is becoming a nightmare to live in. We no longer take care of our long time citizens. The city seems to cater to "the others" over our own. How much more are we expected to give? And when it comes to shopping and enjoying a meal at a local resturant------ick, ick, ick. Topeka, Wichita, and Ottawa are your best bets. 30 registers at WalMart and 5 checkers doesn't get it for me!

Posted by tosie (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

SHOP EMPORIA NEVER........and don't go to Madelynn's because Jean Woods and her staff will treat you like S**T......

1) No where to shop in Emporia
2) No reason to put money into a town who's not going to give back to it's long-time residents, only to the illegals and refugees...

Flips & ozma hit the nail on the head........

Posted by eiggohp (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope you took the opportunity to vote on "do you want Emporia to become a direct settlement for refugees?"....it seems that is what got us in the mess we are in. The meat packing plant brought us lots of things...not only cash flow, but illegals and problems!!

Posted by eiggohp (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I was back in Emporia to visit not long ago and went to the east side of town.....oh my, what a mess has been created there...one doesn't even feel safe out of the car....and it used to be the choice part of town to reside...I found this to be SO SAD!!

Posted by kansasjayhawks (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tosie--I'm with you on Madelynns, I WILL NOT shop there. The only time I was in there I felt like they treated me like I didn't have enough $$ to shop there. My money spends the same no matter where I go. It's really scary to see what this town is turing into if we keep catering to all the "new additions" I do not speak spanish but I have noticed that Wal-Mart is getting bad. We would much rather shop Aldi's or Dillions to get groceries than go there. And I guess we'll go out of Town to get our Christmas shopping done. It will be much easier without running into children being able to run free without their parents and worried I will catch a horrible disease from a Somilian who can't cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze.

Posted by nutsaboutools (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

When I'm looking for quality, friendly service, then shopping locally is my first option. Reebles, Bluestem, Waters, L&L Pets, MarkII, Fox Pool & Patio & Sears can't be beat when it comes to customer service. The problem arises when I'm looking for variety, price or sometimes they're just not open. I'm a typical male, I like to find what I'm looking for, get it and go. Although it drives my wife nuts, I don't like to "shop around" or "browse". I do look for bargains though. When we do our major Christmas shopping, we go to Topeka (Toys-R-Us, Old Navy, Best Buy, with a stop at Red Lobster before we head back home-wife insists). I do try to support our local merchants as much as possible, when possible.

Posted by landinkansas (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We currently live out of state. However we normally are home (Emporia) through Thanksgiving week. This has been our normal routine for many years. We typically buy 95% of our gifts in Emporia. For parents, kids, grandkids, aunts, uncles, ect. We still enjoy the downtown area even though it is not what it was. My wife goes to the Mall and visits numerous other "small shops". Bluestem is still my favorite (I still run into many people I know). Towne Crier is a favorite also. We try to visit a different small cafe / coffee shop each day. After an awful experience in Walmart this past summer we will NEVER go in there again. I'll drive to Topeka first. Reeble's takes care of all our Thanksgiving Day needs. They have for as long as I can remember. Good people there. I believe in fully supporting local businesses and their owners and hope to for many years to come.

However, if the "refugee" issue does not get resolved to the satisfaction of the citizens of Emporia I will not be spending any more money in Emporia. None. I won't even buy gas there. The Elected Officials & Business Owners need to take this very seriously.

Happy Thanksgivng Emporia. See you soon!

Posted by Peyton (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think many here are missing the point completely!
Local business/restaurants have great customer service, quality and selection...often they are more willing to accommodate needs, special order, gift wrap and deliver your gifts as well!
Shopping locally is a way of life for our family. For those who want "the best price"...well, we would rather spend a little more money here and there and know we are supporting Emporia, then spend more on gas and food out of town to save a few pennies on a product.
Are we so worried about a couple dollars that we really find the need to go out of town? Do you realize that when you shop locally more of those hard earn dollars stay in our economy and are driven back to local banks, accountants, and other service industries? When your children and grandchildren or other service organizations and schools need donations for fundraisers, etc...who gives more, local businesses or your Wal-Mart and Topeka/Wichita/KC retailers?
Those of you who want more places to shop; you must support what we already have before any new retailer will want to open here. And bigger chain stores, why would they want to come to Emporia, when all of you are already going out of town to that very store. And don't tell me that just because we got one or two "Chain" stores you would no longer make your weekly trips to Topeka/Wichita/KC...that is just ridiculous!
Wake up people! Your "out of town" and "nothing good here" attitude is what is ruining Emporia. We have to look at our assets and support what is unique and different about our community. We have a rich history and a lot of to be proud of!
Shop Locally all the way!!

Posted by acitizenofemporia (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If the shopping is sooo good in emporia why does a local bank rent busses during christmas to take people shopping out of emporia?

Posted by momus (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll say two things and then I'm done with this topic. First, I have no idea what anyone expects local business owners to do about the immigrant/refugee situation. Retail or service, if you think a small business has any more pull than the average citizen, you are sadley mistaken. So, by punishing local businesses you are doing nothing to solve the percieved problems.

Secondly, if you have problems with the service or product selection in Emporia, I would strongly encourage you to open your own business. You are obviously pointing out market gaps in either the retail or service industries. I'm sure the local Chamber or Main Street office would be more than happy to get you started! As a matter of fact, I think I remember Flint Hills Tech saying something about a training program specifically geared towards start ups this Spring. Judging by this board, we should have lots of participants!

Posted by tosie (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This has nothing to do with not wanting to support Emporia and the small businesses, believe me.....my family has ALWAYS shopped in Emporia and ALWAYS believed in giving to the small businesses first because my family ran a small business, but with the situation Emporia is in and the way long-time Emporia residents are being treated and put on the back burner in front of the refugees and illegals I am done with it.....exactly why I moved away. My family will be coming to visit me for Thanksgiving and we'll get our groceries, etc OUT OF TOWN......

Posted by acitizenofemporia (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

momus, I called the chamber, they said they would not lend me the $250,000 to get started in a new business, how about you making the loan since you believe it is so easy to start a new business.

Posted by MerryCarol (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The business people are as bewildered as everyone else about what is going on in Emporia. Everyone wants and needs answers. The crises going on may not be nearly as bad as people think.

Why punish the local business owners because the town is going through a kind of crisis? Wouldn't that be further damaging things if we don't support local businesses?

I live outside of Emporia and I shop Emporia first. When I can't find what I need, I go to Topeka or Wichita.

And no, I don't intend to open up a business. I'm not complaining about things I want not being sold locally. I enjoy going on little day trips anyway. It's simply a fact that we can't find everything we want in Emporia.

I'll be doing most of my Christmas shopping there though, and have already begun.

Posted by Flips (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My husband & I were shopping in Emporia last Sat. & as I was waiting on my husband to finish his shopping------I saw several immigrants who were taking things out of packages & putting them in their clothing-------& I went to the clerk that was waiting on my husband & told him of what was happening----& his reply to me was WE KNOW---BUT WE CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT -------I said, I personally know as being a business owner for over 40 plus years something could be done-----& his replied to us was----well I guess something is being done-as all the rest of the shoppers are paying for their shoplifting!
He then repeated to us about 9 other stories of really bad things that had happened in this business while he was working & they could do nothing about!!!
This is just ONE EXAMPLE (I repeat just one example) OF WHY WE ARE NOT SPENDING OUR MONEY IN EMPORIA ANY LONGER! There are other places that do want our money-------where I don't have to be exposed to the problems we have encountered in Emporia in the very recent months.
Do I feel sorry for the small business owners in Emporia -yes I do I have been there & done that for over 40 years-------but I don't have to be subject to those problems when I can shop else where! If I can tell the clerk that someone is shoplifting & they say they can't do anything about it- & then tell me even worse stories of things that have happened in their business it scares me------

Posted by momus (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

acitizenofemporia,

I know I promised just one post, but to answer your question? or statement. The chamber or main street probably won't give you the $250,000, but they do have some zero interest loan pools in town. I guess you could do what most other small businesses have done, and find investors, or put up any assets you have as collateral for a loan at one of our local lending institutions. And, I never said it was easy to start up a business.

Posted by boomer46 (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

With what's happening in Emporia now, doubt any investor would help anybody start a new business in town. Don't care if zero interest is available, businesses aren't going to thrive in a "Somali Refugee" center.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

momus local banks dont give business loans unless a house is used for collateral, even your zero interest loans are very difficult to get. with the kind of leadership emporia has, who will risk losing their home to open a business in an area that is not business friendly?

Posted by glarson (Gwen Larson) on November 8, 2007 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dear Merry Carol,

Would you be willing to tell me who you're planning to shop with in Emporia and what you've already found for Christmas?

You can e-mail me at larson@emporiagazette.com. I promise I'll write in such a way that your family won't guess their presents!

Gwen Larson

Posted by abc123 (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We have never had a problem getting everything we need in Emporia, we have a family of 6 and that's a lot of clothes, food and misc. I always go to ALDI'S for our food first if it isn't there then I will go to Reebles, Family Dollar, Dollar Store or Dillons. Wal-Mart is a money pit. We don't have time to drive to Topeka or KC, if it isn't here you really don't need it. Think about the days when we couldn't zip up the turnpike, sometimes people just need to quit whining and deal with what you have. You can live on a budget and have everything you need here if you get creative. Online stores take care of everything else for us. I will say Sutherlands service has improved in recent years, and if you get the friends and family card and hit those big sale days it is comparable to going to Lowes once you figure in gas and you'll probably eat a meal on the road if you drive out of town. BUT GRAVES HAS GOT TO GET A DEBIT/CREDIT CARD MACHINE!! PLEASE!!! We love your store, but it is vital to these times we live in. Let the refugees waste their money at Wal-Mart, it pumps a little tax revenue back to our community doesn't it? Oh yeah and Guions....what is with your furniture prices???? Seriously.

Posted by johncanyon (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Flips...
I don't believe you were at a store here in town or anywhere, that allows shop lifting. As a local store owner, I make the shoplifters put back anything they steal and then I show them to the door and tell them to NOT COME BACK. If they do not want to comply then it's a simple matter of calling the police. I have done this with all races here in town, Does not matter what nationality they are. Once they are cought they rarely ever return.
I'm not gonna raise my retail prices to accomadate the shop lifters. It's much easier to run them off.

acitizenofemporia...
Maybe you could take some of the money you save so much of by shopping out of town and invest it in your own business

Posted by momus (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, we have had businesses open or expand within the past few years in Emporia. Most, if not all of them have put up their homes or other assets as collateral. But, after reading these posts, I have to agree with your statement about "business friendly" slipandslide. Why indeed? Policies in a lot of Kansas towns are fairly homogenized, so the people are what make a town "business friendly". Why indeed.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

why would someone take the money they save by shopping out of town and invest it in a business here?

Posted by Flips (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John Canyon ---
Excuse me ---are you calling me a liar??????
I really don't think you want to do that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We were in a store in Emporia, Ks, last Sat evening & we were making a purchase & there were 5 men who took things out of packages right in front of me--------& I told the clerk ( & I won't repeat the whole story again!)
Was I mad-- yes I was---------as for years I have owned businesses & I have done the very same thing that you have done--------& I thought if-- I was brave enough to go to the clerk & tell them what had happened "something" would be done!!!!!!!
I was totally shocked at what I was told! And then the stories this clerk shared with us-----it was far more than I wanted to know!!!!!!!
I'll be real damned honest with you John------ when I told the clerk what was going on & he said-- We Know & we can't do anything about it-----
I said very loud---------- THE HELL YOU CAN'T!!!!!!!!
And explained to him-- I had owned businesses for over 40 years- & I didn't put up with that CRAP!!!
NOW YOU TELL ME I'M A LIAR-------EXCUSE ME!!!!!!
DID I MISSUNDERSTAND YOU?????????????????????
I think that totally tells me I really don't need to spend any of my hard earned money in Emporia again!
Not all people or store owners handle things as I use to---& would I go to a clerk again ANYWHERE & tell them I saw someone steal something------NO THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
And I want you to know I didn't wait to answer you in a
"lady like manner" this time-but then again calling me a lair ----you wanted me to answer in not a "lady like" way-----I guess you got your reaction you wanted!!!!!!!!
Are you pleased--- I'm sure you might not have gotten the reaction you wanted or the Gazette wanted--------
I think all those people that do know what did happen-------will see even more reason to not shop in Emporia!!
I really don't think you furthered "your cause"/ by calling me a liar --as a lot of people know me----& know me well & I may be a lot of things -----but a liar isn't one of them!!

Posted by johncanyon (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now don't go gettin your Panties in a wad Flips. I just find it hard to believe that anyone would allow shoplifting to take place in there store. I would also like to know what store this hapened in? If you don't have any reason to shop here in Emporia or ever go back to that store then by all means tell us where it happened.

Posted by Flips (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John Cayon I take great offence to your statements!
If you are not calling me a liar-----then my panties in a wad---excuse me!!!!!!!!

I guess we are just "old red necks"-----as I have had family members rope & drag a man for saying less than you have /to a female in our family!!!!!

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

john, get your panties out of a wad. there is shoplifting in emporia stores, maybe one reason prices are high. i ll tell you a story about walmart last year. a woman left her purse in the seat of a shopping cart while she spent time to look at something the shelf and three teenagers took her purse containing money ss card, drivers license and keys. what did wally world do about it? the made copies of the security photos of the purse being taken, the three offenders leaving , walking past a walmart greeter as they went out the door and photos of them driving out of the parking lot, that is ALL walmart did about it. why is it walmart has the greeters checking everyones bags when they leave during the time of year the esu students come back to town? they say it s to cut back on shoplifting

Posted by johncanyon (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So.... I don't have to buy anything at Wal-Mart. I can just go and steel anything I want and all that will happen is, I get my picture taken? And to think.. All this time I have been paying, when they will just let me take it. WOW!! I guess it really is cheaper at Wal-mart.

Is this the store you were at Flips? Or are there other stores in town Just givin' it away?

Posted by Flips (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There are other stores!

Posted by johncanyon (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Care to name any of them? You won't be shopping there anymore, so what would it hurt?

Posted by Flips (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John Canyon------I have received many e-mails from different ones this afternoon/ who have read these posts today on this forum-----& know who I am & they are not registered to post on the forums at the Gazette--nor do they care to & the ONE question each of them have asked me is:
Who is this man anyway-who does he think he is---& what busineess does he own??????? (that is the nice things I can repeat)-----
And I have had to answer them by saying-- I have no clue!!!!!
They all have said to ask YOU------what business do you own????????? As IF they ever spend another penny in Emporia they don't want to make any mistakes by spending it with you!!!!!!!!
Thank you/ we ALL will look forward to your answer------
I was so upset with you--& your rudeness-- I never ever would have thought to ask you these questions!!!!!!!! (Thanks guys!!!!)
And as far as the other comments you guys have told me to tell MR Cayon----please -you guys know me too well --don't get me started!!!!!!! :)
And thanks--------for the offers --but no I don't need anyone to rope & drag him YET!!!!!!!! :) lol

Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I forgot Water's,Flint Hills Music,Sears,Fox Pool,and more.Named a bunch of businesses in an earlier post.We have great service & repair people here,too.Having worked in the crafts my whole life,it takes me a long time to find someone that can wire it,plumb it,weld it,or wrench on it up to my standards.Luckily those people are here in Emporia at a reasonable rate,and I don't have to service my equipment,remodel a bathroom,repair an amplifier,or build something unless I darn well feel like doing it myself.

Posted by jigsawgirl22 (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Honestly, people. If you want your white master race in Emporia, you may as well go back in time about 60 years to Nazi Germany. You'd fit right in with Hitler's crowd!

Posted by johncanyon (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Flips... Unsaddle the horses and hang the ropes back up.. No need for a lynching here tonight...lol

you want me to tell you all about who I am, but all I ask was, WHAT store you were in that allows shoplifters to take what they want? And this store has cashiers that say that's OK we will just raise our prices to cover the shoplifters.

I'm sorry you and your friends don't give a damn about Emporia or spending another dime here. Sorry If I offended you so bad. I forget some people have pretty thin skin.

Posted by neighbor (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

She may not answer, but I will share one store that does have that policy, Walmart. I saw something similar to her incident, told the clerk that the people headed for the door right then were stealing a large amount of merchandise that was stuffed in their coats, pants pockets and under their shirts. She turned and looked at them, and told me "Oh well, it's too late now, our store policy doesn't allow us to go after them." I told her I would bring them back inside, to call the cops. She told me I would be the one getting arrested for assaulting a Walmart customer??????????????? I left my merchandise on the counter and walked out.

Posted by twopennies (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm sure most people have some sort of horror story about our local Wal-Mart. It's hard not to these days. I'd be willing to bet that not every store in town provides perfect customer service or handles every situation to our individual liking all the time. However, I do want to put in my two cents about Madelynn's.

Jean has always treated me with the utmost respect. I have found the staff to be gracious and willing to help me find what I'm looking for. The bridal department was very easy for me to work with and I have nothing but positive things to say about them. My biggest issue with Madelynn's is the guy who works there. I don't like the way he follows customers around. I sometimes feel as though he's waiting for me to shoplift. It does make me feel better when I hear others feel the same way. However, I don't let this stop me from patronizing them...I can choose to have someone else in the store assist me. The positives of doing business with them outweigh the negatives. They are a local business and deserve my support!

Posted by jigsawgirl22 (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 10:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

greenday - Have *you* been reading? Every other comment is about people not wanting to shop where businesses welcome Spanish speakers or Somalis. That's racism, plain and simple.

Posted by jigsawgirl22 (anonymous) on November 8, 2007 at 10:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You're right. This is the USA. And this is what is inscribed on the Statue of Liberty:

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free; send these, the homeless tempest-tossed, to me; I lift my lamp beside the golden door."

Posted by abc123 (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder what Randy the actual store manager would have to say about that. Who is Eric?

Posted by Weltha (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Eric is one of the Dept. Managers. Randy will say the same thing. It the policy of the whole store.

Posted by johncanyon (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow Kstrebuchet... Sounds like I owe Flips a real appolagy if it was Wal-Mart that she experienced this at.

My appolagies Flips.. But I would hate to believe that you would not shop Emporia because of the policies of Wal-Mart!!

So.. were you a business owner for 40 years here in Emporia?If so, it seems like a poor way to pay back the city that supported you for 40 years, by not shopping Emporia because of Wal-Marts policy.

I do shop out of town but do not go out of my way, not to shop In Emporia... Except for Wal-Mart, I will NOT shop there! They have nothing I need or want. I'm just glad that they cannot sell the product that I sell, or I wouldn't be in business.

Posted by Flips (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So VERY VERY SAD----We have had problems at other home owned businesses in Emporia also besides
Wal Mart & as much as some others want me to say "where" it is NOT going to happen----EVER!!
But from owning businesses most all my life /I came home & called & asked to talk to the owners or managers-
And told them what I had witnessed in their stores & what I had been told & how upset I was & was this their policy or was this something their employees were just saying & it was not their policy!

I found it was their policy also---in many cases---they are having so many problems that they have never ever faced in the past--or if they did have problems/ it was never the volume it is happening now! Plus other problems they have never ever faced in years past!

These are "good people" who own these businesses & they are facing a lot of problems that have been brought on by the lack of morals & ethics of society today!

(Like the male on this forum calling me a lair & telling me not to get my panties in a wad----& telling me I'm thin skinned from taking offense to such statements----how many "GENTLEMEN" are in this habit in today's world??????)

Where are our MORALS & ETHICS in today's society????

There are many-many-many factors that cause these shoplifting problems & the owners or managers are not taking action towards those doing crimes in their stores! Or trying to handle these problems in different ways than they did in the past!

And they have tried to deal with these problems in several different ways-------& so far no satisfaction!

One person told me------I plan on retiring with in two years-& closing or selling my business----then I'm out of here.

There are REAL problems in Emporia & if you don't want to believe it-----you are not getting the true facts--

Am I giving the names of these home owned businesses-in Emporia - NO I AM NOT!! And I never will! They are good people who own these businesses in a really BAD situation!

I'm just feel really really blessed that it is not me dealing with the problems they are------- & I don't have to shop there & I feel very sorry for them & the situation they are in!!!!!
They are between a rock & hard spot!

But I will not be telling anyone else-- be it either a clerk or manager or store owner if I see some one stealing from them-----as I know even IF I try to do the RIGHT thing it doesn't make any difference------

And for the male on this forum who said well I don't care about Emporia-------you have no clue MR ( And I use the tern "MR" very loosely)!!
Now name call or what ever------
I don't care any more!!!!!!
You have already shown you have no morals or ethics-------
And that is the main problem-------if you have no morals or ethics it is OK to steal!!!!!

Posted by momus (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Flips is inadvertantly pointing out another societal flaw. Walmart, like most chains, is hesitant to get to physical with those that commit shop lifting offenses simply to avoid possible litigation. If someone is stealing $200 worth of crud from the local Walmart and an employee tackles them, can you say million-dollar-lawsuit?

A lot of big chains with deep pockets will have the same policy, regardless of the city (yes, it is that way outside of Emporia). Independants, on the other hand, don't have deep corporate pockets. So, the local mom and pop is much more likely to chase you down and turn you in to the local PD. That doesn't mean that people quit trying to steal, it's just a difference in how the situation is handled between two vastly different business models.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

a man walked out of the textbook corner last fall with two expensive textbooks in his hand, the two female cashiers asked each other what they should do, they didnt try to retrieve the books and they didnt call the police. i can see why they didnt want to go after him, but he was walking, the police would have been able to catch him if they had been called. the buyback prices on the books are in insult, why sell them back for the price they offer? paying for someones inventory shrinkage at walmart or elsewhere is wrong, if they are not going to try to prevent shoplifting without following customers around the store or without going to pick out the items for the customers, then why do they expect repeat business?

Posted by momus (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Go to Hill's and talk to Helen about shop lifting. She's funny anyway, but hearing her tell the story of running down the street trying to clobber a thief (I think he was running off with a TV?) is hilarious.

I've seen Dryer's Shoe Store bust a person for shop lifting, and let them know in no uncertain terms that they were not welcome back, and I've been in Java Cat when someone tried to steal a tip jar and a quick thinking customer caught him. But, you have to understand, a lot of people don't want to put themselves into physical danger when dealing with a nut job theif.

Posted by Peyton (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TwoPennies--I whole heartedly agree with you about your ideas on Shopping Locally, but only part of your Madelynn's comment.
If you know Jean at all, you know that the "guy" you refer to is her son. And yes, I have heard this comment about him before as well. But knowing both of them very well, let me assure you and all your friends, that he is not "waiting for you to shoplift". Quite opposite infact, he believes in the utmost customer service and he loves helping people. He is a true sales person with great product knowledge and wants to make sure you are receiving the best possible service! Although his intentions have been misunderstood, I am happy to hear you continue to shop locally and at Madelynn's and I truly hope you will give him another chance! Thank you!

Posted by Bjnemp (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm sorry, jigsawgirl22: refusing to shop at businesses that prostitute our American heritage, and particulary our language, by catering to illegal immigrants or refugees too disrespectful to speak English, or display signs and advertising in a foreign language in order to increase cash flow and maximize profits, is not racism. It is patriotism; a term with which you are obviously not familiar. It sounds as if you condone and encourage giving up our culture and national language in return for a few pieces of silver, or lots of pesos. Shame on you, jigsawgirl. If anyone in your family is a veteran who fought to preserve our national heritage, they must be very proud of you.

Posted by mythoughts (anonymous) on November 10, 2007 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, getting back to the subject at hand...

I shop Waters for gardening things, but I buy the bulk of my gardening plants in LeRoy. I get bits and pieces of hardware there too--so much easier to get in and out of than Sutherlands. Once, I stood in Mark II for a good 15 minutes before anyone was willing to look up and see me (they knew I was there...they just wouldn't pay attention).

I get 98% of my groceries at Reebles North. They do a good job, except sometimes the produce is a bit wrinkly. I wish they would expand. I used to shop Dillon's west as well, but Dillon's east makes me uncomfortable: so cramped and often smells weird. Price Chopper tends to have good produce but it's off my beaten path.

I don't buy clothes in Emporia (not my style), but I have purchased a few nice pairs of shoes from Dryer's. They were extremely helpful. I might cruise Walmart for ideas or out of boredom, or buy basic things in bulk to save money, but even with the remodel it's a store out of control. HERDS of people blocking the aisles, gossiping at the endcaps, arguing, children running amok without supervision...yuck.

I love the new Walgreen's! Quick, clean and easy. And Town Crier is great. The rest of town? Aside from outrageously overpriced gas, it's just not on my radar. Give me Lawrence or Johnson County any day. I want things with a certain sophistication and quality construction. I don't want to look like everyone else here--which is what tends to happen since our choices are so limited.

There are hidden gems here to shop at - but, really, how much stuff do you need? For Christmas, I make donations to HEIFER INTERNATIONAL in honor of my loved ones. Feed the world and feel good at the same time!

Posted by traceygraham (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks mythoughts, for bringing the focus back to the original question... And I agree that Heifer is a wonderful gift in the TRUE spirit of what Christmas is really all about. So are donations to local charitable organizations.

I always prefer to Shop Emporia First. It's important to support our local businesses whenever possible and most of our local retailers are happy to order things for us if we just ask.

For Christmas, I'll be able to take care of almost everyone on my shopping list without even leaving Commercial Street. Between Dayton's, the Sweet Granada, Town Crier, Second Love and Forget Me Not Productions, I'll find something perfect for just about all the people I care about. For my young nephews, I LOVE the toys at Bluestem.

Tomorrow, I plan to ask Amanda Johnston if she'll be doing gift certificates for her wonderful restaurant for Christmas. I think they'd be IDEAL gifts for all of my in-town friends.

The past two years, I enjoyed participating in the "Seven Grand In Hand" program. It was a true win-win situation. It cost me nothing, but gave me a _chance_ at winning a prize. I didn't win a prize, but I sure didn't lose anything either. Both years, I spent $200 downtown that I would have spent anyway. It's a no-brainer. I hope they do it again!

If you can't find what you're looking for in town, from a local retailer, then ASK for it! Reebles, Dillons, Price Chopper and Nature's Paradise will all take special orders. Town Crier has gotten me lots of wonderful books, including several that are out of print. When we remodeled our kitchen, I found the light fixtures I wanted online, priced them online, then took the info to the Chandelier Shop. They met the price, but I got the fixtures cheaper than I would have if I'd ordered them online, because I didn't have to pay shipping. AND when one of the fixtures was damaged in shipping, the wonderful people at the shop took care of getting it replaced, so I didn't have to deal with all that hassle.

If you find the service bad at one or two stores, go to a different store where the service is good. If you can't find what you want, ask for it. There are a lot of really great people in Emporia. Don't punish _them_ because of bad experiences at Walmart.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tracey you sound like a radio ad

Posted by koach52 (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have to agree with Tracey. I too get frustrated with some of our retailers and with the lack of competition in some areas, but I always try to do business here first. I have not always been happy with out of town business either. We do have many people that try to make their business in Emporia a good one and we should try to take care of what we have. They too have been placed in a position of trying to survive their business in some difficult times. They do not represent a group of people that are catering to any particular group, they represent people that are trying to survive among this population. If you are going to sell hats in Emporia and be successful, be prepared to sell sombreros along with your Baseball caps and hunting gear. A retail business does not stock their shelves the same in every market. Most of our local business owners want Emporia to thrive and are just as concerned about recent changes as the rest of us. Express your needs to store owners and lets continue to try to help them succeed in Emporia.

Posted by jigsawgirl22 (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 7:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bjnemp -

Unless you are the direct descendent of a native American tribe, you too once infringed on the territory of a group of people with a foreign language and culture.

Your logic astounds me. Someone is unpatriotic because they don't mind shopping in stores alongside people who may not have the greatest grasp of the English language? I guess I'll have to stop sending my support to our troops overseas then.

And we don't have a national language.

Auf weidersen.

Posted by traceygraham (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gee, gosh and golly "slipandslide (anonymous)" whoever you are...

Thanks! Such a lovely compliment! Do you think maybe I could, like, get a job, like, writing radio ads simply by expressing my honest opinion? That would be, like, so TOTALLY cool!!!

I did my best to address the original question:
"As we head into the Christmas shopping season, The Gazette would like to know why you shop Emporia."
"What stores encourage you to spend your hard-earned dollars here? How do they do it?"
"Some Gazette online readers have posted comments on this topic to the "Emporia image" thread. We'd like to hear more." ....
with the sincerity it deserves.

Just my opinion... every bit as valid as the opinions the 75 postings before mine.

Posted by neighbor (anonymous) on November 11, 2007 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I buy where I can get the most for my money, I have to make my dollar stretch more and more each day. I'm quite sure local merchants do the same in reverse. They buy their wares from a wholesaler where they can make the best profit possible for their investment. I highly doubt local merchants buy their merchandise locally if they can buy the same product at a lower cost from a company located else where. I've had this discussion with friends who run Emporia businesses. One such owner became upset when I went to his business looking to purchase an accessory for a product he sold. I had bought the original item else where, at a large savings. He berated me for "cutting his throat" while supporting a business that had nothing in return for Emporia. Told him sorry, but I wasn't interested in paying his bills before mine were paid, what I had left over priced me out of his store. I also told him because of his attitude, I wouldn't be throwing my change his way either and walked out. There are some local merchants and contractors who would like us to believe we should bend over and take their prices and proposed bids as being the best that is available. Example; I recently built a new home. I sent my plans to local contractors whom I had worked around in the past asking them for bids. Not one responded after 5 months. I starting sending my plans to contractors out of Emporia and looking at other options. I got bids from Council Grove and from Osage City contractors. I finally did locate a local builder hungry for work and willing to submit a bid. I opted to be the general contractor on the job, I hired the sub contractors myself. I choose local sub contractors, knowing that if I had a problem after the house was done, I could rely on them to come fix the problem. It cost me nearly double to hire local crews over what I had offered from outside contractors. I won't do that again. When it was all said and done, I saved myself $50k by not hiring a local builder and having them do the complete job.

Posted by jigsawgirl22 (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kstrebuchet-

I know, I was just trying to point out that we're a country of immigrants. I could have just said that, I suppose! ;)

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I rarely go out of town to shop.

What a great idea about gift certificates from Amanda's. I hope she can work that out. I love having lunch there.

My favorite grocery store, hands down, is Reebles. I am especially happy about their willingness to accomodate special orders. The Deli section has some wonderful cheeses too. Yumm! Butchers are always helpful and Gary knows everything about everything, even brown bread in a can which I grew up loving and he ordered! Yes!

Hey everyone, Reebles has fresh turkey!!! Get my drift?

For hardware, I go to Waters because they answer all my questions courteously and Tom's knowledge of paint is at the expert level while mine is beneath novice.
I like Mark II for good service. When they send a man out at a moment's notice to measure one window on the second story then order it and it comes in within one week...that's service.

Penney's for everyday clothing and online for the rest. LL Bean. Love them.

Dayton's for shoes. Town Crier for books because they know so much.

Heather cuts my hair at Sax Hair Care. Perfect haircuts everytime! She cuts my hair so well, that sometimes when I forget to comb my hair, I can just run my fingers through this mop and it looks great. Now that's a haircut!

That's it. Simple gal, simple needs.

Posted by Flips (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

create--you probably went to Dryers for shoes not Dayton's! :)
Unless Dayton's has started a new line of sales that I'm not aware of! :)

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL Flips, maybe I make my own shoes of rice paper and fancy string and silk flowers. Most people don't know that I am originally from Hawaii. Maybe I like a little embellishment. LMAO

Mahalo for letting me know about my faux pas, Flips. Aloha nui loa!

Posted by sadinemporia (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't shop Emporia unless I absolutely have to. If I need groceries, I shop at either Reebles or Country Mart. It used to be Aldi's, but you can't go in there anymore without having to fight through the Somalian crowd. Unfortunately, this hurts the local businesses, and I understand that. Let me ask you this....where is our sales tax going? Is it to support the free lunches for 60% of our kids in school, is it supporting SRS and their efforts in supporting illegals, it is supporting the charity groups who are allowing illegals and Somalians to live a comfortable life here? Those are some of the reasons I don't shop here. Any questions?!

Posted by create (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 7:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sad,
It really isn't the sales tax that is going to support all those that you mention. Taxes do support those things, yes, but your state taxes go to support all those things. Charity groups like Catholic Charities are supported by federal grant money specifically earmarked for refugee resettlement. Read some of the excellent links that have been posted on this forum, sad. They contain excellent information. I hope you try to shop here, however, because you are supporting the community as a whole. You can't live in a vacuum.

Posted by Flips (anonymous) on November 14, 2007 at 4:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I would like all the business owners in Emporia who have told me how much trouble & problems they are having----(when I told them to no longer-- to expect our money to be spent in their businesses)---would get really involved with standing up & ask questions of the city officials of Emporia & stand up & ask the questions many of the rest of us have been asking.
I would like to see those business owners who say it is NOT their fault----to also get involved & speak up- & stand up to what is going on in their city & take a stand & hold the city officials accountable & those in power in Emporia accountable! If I saw that those same business owners who told me--they have lost control & don't know what to do about these problems--would stand up & take a stand about what is being allowed in the city of Emporia----- you bet I would be spending my money with them again--------But if they are going to roll over & play dead to the city officials & the crime that is going on now---let alone what it is possible of growing into------ If I don't see these businesses owners getting involved & taking a stand ---& making a difference instead of saying it isn't their fault ---then I see no reason for me not to continue to spend my money else where!
We had gotten into the habit for over a half a century of spending the bulk of our money in Emporia ------we don't have to-- & unless we see some of these very same business owners getting involved--& taking a stand & making the city officals & others be accountable----I see no reason----to be an "enabler" to them any longer ---either they take a stand---& stand up for what they say is a problem----or they roll over & say nothing & continue to have more of these problems -----And more & more & more of us to spend our money else where!
Either hold those in power in Emporia accountable-----& not just talk & excuses or change the subject-----but hold those in power accountable-then you will see my money again!

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on November 14, 2007 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

amen to that flips!!!!

Posted by neighbor (anonymous) on November 21, 2007 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Create,

Your comment about Reeble's is spot on. My wife bought supplies for the holiday there Saturday and when she got home, she noticed a problem with what she was charged. I took the receipt there yesterday morning and Gary corrected the problem in seconds. He told the clerk that was helping me that our family had been customers for decades, to correct the mistake made by the cashier.

I was less than gracious in my previous entry about naming local businesses that we DO appreciate. First, I am not one that enjoys shopping, not in the least bit like most other men.

I don't mind going to Bluestem, if they don't have what I need, they are willing to find it for me or tell me where I can find it. I have heard their employees telling customers that they could find what they are looking for at other local businesses if they didn't carry it. My only complaints about their store is the items I need are usually in the far corners of the building, and being treated like a criminal when writing a check. I won't go to one clerk's checkout line, she seems to enjoy making the customer produce multiple ID's, phone numbers, and questioning their integrity.

Reebles is by far the best in the Grocery business in our opinion. I don't like the "Country Mart Card" thing one bit, but it seems that is the thing of the day at all the stores. Forcing people to participate in marketing programs or pay a higher price.

Mark II Lumber is where to go if you need knowledgable help in planning a project, and getting what you need. Customer satisfaction is important to Tom and Chuck. If you disagree, you haven't taken your issue to them personally. They made my house project run smooth, getting us the supplies on time when they said they would be there, at a fair price. They too will order if they don't have it.

King Liquor store is run properly. It's kept clean, the products are fresh, the coolers are cold, the prices are fair, the customers are treated with respect and are appreciated, Keith will see to it your needs are met.

I can honestly say those businesses are the only ones I typically enter.

Posted by lycomu (anonymous) on November 21, 2007 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I always TRY to shop Emporia first but it is unreasonable to expect any one to ONLY shop Emporia. Sales tax dollars are a very important source of income. Anywhere you shop in town,sales tax dollars are collected. But, if the business is not locally owned, most of the profit goes somehwere else. Be it Wal-Mart, Penny's, or Waters true value hardware. Money spent in Emporia helps all of Emporia. Money spent at locally owned Emporia businesses hels that much more

Posted by emporialifer (anonymous) on November 21, 2007 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I want to give props to Reeble's as well. Unfortunately due to convenience I got in the Wal-Mart mode, but stopped by Reeble's recently and I was reminded of the importance of customer service. It was such a nice shopping experience. Very calm - no big crowds. The cashier was very friendly and we chatted as she rang me up and to top it off, a very nice gentleman sacked my groceries and took them out to my car and loaded them for me. I had forgotten how handy that was. Looking back on everything I bought, I think my total at Wal-Mart would probably have been pretty darn close to that amount (if not more because it seems I always buy more than what is on the list), so I have decided to make a point to always shop my groceries at Reebles - it is definitely worth what little extra money I might have to spend for the extra special service and less irritation of the parking and people at Wal-Mart. Thank you to the great employees at Reebles!