By Tiffany Larrabee
In an economy where dollars don’t quite stretch as far as they used to, it may seem like a strange idea to choose to shop locally. There are misconceptions of prices and availability that sometimes deter people from visiting. They wonder, “why should I visit a more costly store or restaurant when chains are so much cheaper and often have deals to help entice customers?” It’s simple, the local shopping experiences here vastly differ because they don’t treat customers as numbers, they treat them like family.
When you enter into a local business in Monroe County you instantly notice a difference in the way you are welcomed. The service workers and business owners don’t just treat their patrons as numbers. They offer kindness and efficiency.
A woman shopping at one of the local boutiques said she had never had a bad experience when shopping locally and that the owners and workers are always so “sweet and helpful.” While surveying the local customers of Monroe County words like friendly, helpful, and great experiences were used by almost every person.
A lot of the businesses said they have “regulars” that they see as often as every day or a couple of times a week. Erik and Jessica Haygood said they come to Scoops, the local ice cream parlor, very often. Jessica commented that they “really love it.” The couple spoke of how their family would sometimes eat at a restaurant in town and then go to the adored establishment for a “sweet treat” afterwards.
The Haygood Family enjoying a sweet treat at Scoops.
When visiting a famed tourist spot like the town of Juliette you can find so much to satisfy more than just your sweet tooth. Although, that can definitely be appeased there also.
When approaching customers to ask if they had traveled far to visit, it was surprising to find that not all of them were tourists. In fact, the Jordan family was from Jackson and they said they visit Juliette frequently.
The Jordan family visiting Whistle Stop Cafe and Giftshop.
“We have found that the quality of the things we buy here is just better,” Sarah Jordan commented about the cowboy hats her husband purchases from
Whistle Stop Cafe and Giftshop. She said that they have tried other hats from mainstream stores but they just end up paying more and receive a subpar product. “So we like to buy them here,” she responded.
Handmade items can be found in various places in Monroe County. From clothing, soaps, art, and even fresh fruits and vegetables. On Market Days which take place next to City Hall and are orchestrated by TaKeimia Childs, all types of local goods and services can be found. Robert Willis has been selling his own produce there since they began. Many vendors have homegrown products to offer. Even things not so common like the “purple peppers,” grown by Peggy and Gerry Kosater.
Sometimes people forget the expanse of Monroe County. When thinking of “shopping locally,” often the only businesses that come to mind are the storefronts on or surrounding the Forsyth square. There are other amazing areas of Monroe County to explore though that have many products and services to offer.
Bolingbroke has an array of antique shops and a new local favorite restaurant, the Iron Rail. Smaller areas like High Falls and Smarr also aren’t thought of as places to “shop local” even though they have small businesses and restaurants to visit as well. Some of these areas skirt the borders of our county, but they are no less a part of the local community in our small town.
So, why shop local? A better question is “why not?” The atmosphere of these places makes you feel comfortable. You are never rushed through your experience. Instead of being treated as a number you are valued and appreciated at these places.
Shopping at small businesses helps the local economy, yes, but it also offers these owners and operators a chance to live their lives doing the things they love and sharing that joy with their neighbors. No matter the reason, make sure you stop by and look around at the bustling local businesses Monroe County has to offer. Grab an ice cream cone, try on a handmade dress, explore new culinary dishes, graze through a strawberry field, or stroll down a famous film set. Take the time to visit these places, because they will always be happy to see you when you get there.
