To the Editor:
I read the Nov. 6 article in the St. Paul Journal about the new businesses coming to St Paul in 2013 and I thought, ‘Seriously? Another dollar store? Another liquor store? Who makes these decisions?’
You want the people or our community to 'shop local' yet you give us nothing that might entice us to do that! Have you ever heard of Ricki's? Bootlegger? Reitman's? Additionelle / Penningtons? Wal-Mart? Those businesses would encourage me to shop St Paul (and I would love to be able to do that) but another dollar store or liquor store? Not so much. I rarely support the ones we already have - and I am sure I am not alone.
Since I need to go elsewhere to purchase clothes, chances are that I will purchase other items while I am there - whether it be Edmonton, Lloydminster, Vegreville or Cold Lake.
I remember when Vegreville was getting their Wal-mart - the smaller 'Mom and Pop' businesses were concerned that they were going to be forced out. I don't think that has happened; customer service is, generally, considered very important at these smaller businesses and people will shop where they are made to feel welcome. But cost is also a factor in today's economy and we, as consumers, need to have a choice. It is my opinion that, giving St Paul more of what we already have in abundance, is not much of a choice! Just sayin' . . .
Ellie Peters
County of St. Paul
