Earlier today I had to make a 30 mile, one-hour round-trip visit from Gilford to Tilton to Lowes to pick up some materials I needed for a home project. I would have preferred to do my shopping in Gilford, but unfortunately, the small, local home supply stores around here are closed on Sundays.
As I drove on Route 3 to Tilton, I noticed a number of other small retail stores closed. I started to wonder: will these be the same small store owners who cry out about the big monolithic box stores taking over their business? How can you be in retailing today and not be open on Sundays?
The parkinglots at the big chains were full. People shop on Sundays because that's when they have a spare moment to get out and buy things. I don't understand this parochial attitude by some of the locals. What happens when Lowe's comes to Gilford? There's a local radio station that talks about supporting local businesses. I would like to! But they have to be open! If you add rude service (OK, you can get that EVERYWHERE!), higher prices, AND inconvenient hours, are we shoppers supposed to feel guilty when they go out of business because of the big chain stores?
Someone, please explain!
Thanks!
-- Sky
