Big boxes are unnecessary

Contributed
Published: July 17, 2008

To the editor,
Doesn’t Allen Huffman (Why the fear of big box stores?-July 10, 2008) know that Orange County shoppers who go off to the Home Depots and Lowes’ for their plumbing, remodeling, fix-up, and building supplies could do as well right here in the county?
Contrary to popular belief that small town businesses can’t compete - you will find they absolutely can. Try shopping local places like Sedwick Building Supply, Faulconer Hardware, and the Corner Cabinet. Missing will be football field-size parking lots, cavernous warehouses with confusing displays, and poor service. They will be replaced with easy parking, friendly, personal service and most of the same product choices.
Our family made the decision to support local businesses as we built our home and made vehicle and outdoor equipment purchases. We enjoy eating in county restaurants. We chose to shop local whenever possible for supplies and services, keeping the money here in Orange County, strengthening the business base.
Many of the stores people complain we don’t have, were not supported when they were here and therefore could not continue.
So, if you are an Orange County resident, spend your money here whenever possible. It may become a habit you like.
Joan R. Bergstrom
Unionville