Date: Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:08:21 +0000 (GMT)
From: judy
Subject: Christmas gifts

Yesterday I was at Mina Bean’a in Siler  City getting some delicious hot chocolate, and The Global Heart has their shop set up there – all fair Trade merchandise.

Everything is beautiful and useful, and at incredible prices!  I bought a lovely wooden bowl with bamboo inlay – I’ve seen similar bowls in Asheville, Raleigh etc for $100-$200. I paid $10. They have amazing and gorgeous things at The Global Heart – silk scarves and silk jackets, placemats, coasters, candles & holders, all sorts of bags from yoga bags to shopping bags and purses, there is stuff hanging up – kids mobiles and wind chimes..  And everything seemed to be at least half price.   So if you are looking for a different and beautiful Christmas gift, it’s well worth checking them out

Judy Harrelson
President
Orare Inc. DBA Glass & Window Warehouse
812 E.. Third Street
Siler City, NC 27344
919 742 1003
http://www.glasswarehouse.net

Date: Sun, 5 Apr 2009 15:09:02 EDT
From: Bprentice2
Subject: Customer Service is hard to find in PBO

This weekend I had 2 examples of terrible customer service in PBO, and  if they weren’t offset by other examples of really good service, I’d have said customer service is DEAD in Pittsboro.

Yesterday, while running my normal Saturday chore run to town, we stopped at Subway (falling victim to the ever present “$5 Foot-long” ads). After waiting in line while 3 teenagers who seemed completely untrained made sandwiches to order for  the people in line,  I finally got my turn. Upon hitting the cash register part of the journey, the  young man looked at me like I was Beelzebub himself when I presented my debit  card. Now, I know they take debit (and credit) cards, because it says so on  their front door, and I’ve done so many times in the past. The conversation went like this:
Boy: “He’s got a debit card, what do I do?”
Girl: “I don’t think its working…”
Boy: “So what do I do?”
Girl: (silence)
Boy: “Do I just give it to him?”
Girl (silence)
Boy to older girl: “Is the machine working?”
Older girl “no – she told me to unplug it and now it doesn’t work”
Boy:”Can I use the one in the back?”
Older Girl: “that’s not working either.”
Boy: “Should I just give it to him?”
Older Girl: “The food? NO!”
Boy: “Then what should I do?”
Boy to me (obviously just having had an idea): “Can you go get some cash
somewhere?”

Now, my toasted sub was by now getting soggy, and if I were to leave the store “to get cash somewhere” you can bet your butt I would spend it  elsewhere. Not wanting to totally lose the 20 minutes  I now had  invested in getting my lunch to within 12″ of my hand, I suggested “Maybe the  manager can get this fixed… who is the manager?”

Boy: “I dunno”
Older girl “She’s not here today”
Me “So who is in charge?”
Older girl “I guess I’m  the closest there is, since I’ve been here  the longest. Suzy Something (I cannot remember the name she actually said)  became manager yesterday under some weird circumstances, but she’s off  today”
Me: “So no one is in charge?”
Girl “That’s Subway for you!”

By this time my wife, digging through her purse, finds her checkbook. “Will you take a check?”
“Yes”
Problem solved… and lesson learned. No more Subway.

Then today, same plaza, Food Lion. Buying a few supplies, and some soft drinks. Pepsi products are on sale, buy 4-12 packs for $11 and get 2  2-liters free. Good deal. Big end cap display with Pepsi products in 12 packs  and 2-liter bottles. I pick up 4 12 packs of Diet Pepsi and Pepsi Max, and  notice there is a list of exceptions to which 2-liters can be had for free.  Looking over the list of exceptions, I see that the Tropicana (a Pepsi product)  sodas displayed on that end-cap are not on the exception list, thus, can be had  for free. I pick up one, and a Sierra Mist, also eligible for “free-dom!”.

Of course, when I get to the checkout, the Sierra Mist goes through for free, the other one doesn’t. No one knows what to do. Vicky, the “Customer Service Manager” (a bit of irony in THAT title!) comes over, grabs up the  Tropicana as if I am trying to steal it, and clutches it in her arms. “This  isn’t included in the free offer”. I ask her why its not, as it is clearly NOT  on the list of products not included. I show her the list in the ad, and it  matches the list on the sign on the display where the darn Tropicana is  displayed, right with the 4/$11 Pepsi products. She marches the soda off to the office, and 5 minutes later comes back, gives the clerk the bottle, refuses to even look at me, and says “He  can have this one, but no more.” and starts to walk away. I said “Excuse me,  Vicky… you should either fix the sign or include the Tropicana products…”  and she just gives me a nasty look, and rudely just walks away, like I created  the problem, not them!

So this is the level of customer service we can expect from the “Customer Service Manager” at Food Lion. And you wonder why people are willing to drive to  Sanford, or Cole Park to do their shopping?

The high point of the weekend in terms of customer service (and the  examples both the aforementioned businesses should try to emulate) is our  weekly visit to the feed store. Dave and Christine at Pittsboro Feed know how to  keep customers happy, as do Dallas and Jason over at Southern States. While we  now tend to do a lot more business at one place than we do at the other, mainly due to product mix, both shopkeepers know that if you lose your customers, you’ll soon lose your business. That is something PBO Food Lion and PBO Subway
ought to take heed of.

Date: Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:44:22 -0500
From: Shannon Crane
Subject: Kudos to Chatham Spokes & The Chatlist

I love this chatlist and the opportunity to find out about businesses and services that are chatham-centric! A recent post by Jeff Howell about his bike repair/tune up business — Chatham Spokes — is one such example.

I contacted Jeff about my bike since spring is on the way. He is professional, prompt, honest, trustworthy, reasonable and talented. I highly recommend him! His email is chathamspokes@gmail.com.

Thanks, Jeff … and thank you Gene for this forum!

Shannon Crane
Bynum

Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:00:53 -0500
From: Reckless, Monica
Subject: eBay Services & More…Quick Cash

In response to the recent post asking for the names of people who will sell your items on eBay, allow me to introduce myself and give a brief description of the services my partner and I offer.

For a 20% commission of the total sale price we provide the following:

Pick-Up of item (s) provided it is in Chatham County
Photos and if needed, help with descriptions of items for sales
Immediate upload to eBay where we handle all inquiries, monitor sales and keep you informed of activity.
Invoicing, payments and shipping of items to the buyer
You receive cash for all items sold

We originally started this for ourselves as a way to get rid of items we were not using anymore and that we felt where to unique or valuable to donate or sell at a yard sale. It worked so well and quickly for us, we decided to offer this service to others who may not have the time to devote to this endeavor. We can work with individuals or businesses such as realtors.

This is a great way to make some quick cash in these tough economic times. If you are unsure of what your item(s) are worth for a nominal fee we can provide market research or if needed, appraisal services.

If you or anyone else you know are interested in these services please let me know.  I cover Pittsboro and South Chatham and my partner covers North Chatham, where she lives and works.

Think Green and let us do the work for you,
Monica Reckless
919-880-6335
mdreckless@gmail.com

Date: Sun, 7 Dec 2008 05:46:12 -0800 (PST)
From: Julie King-McDaniel
Subject: JR Moore & Son

JR Moore & Son, “A country store with a little bit of everything”, was founded in 1935 in the small community of Gulf, NC. The store was established by John Moore and his son Richard.  After the passing of his father, Richard continued expanding and evolving the store.  His philosophy was that the key to success in business was – when you see a need, you meet it.  In 1968 Mr. Moore asked the current owner, Rayvon King, to come work with him at the store.  After Mr. Moore’s passing in 1978, Rayvon bought the remaining share of the business from Mr. Moore’s widow, Mrs. Faye Moore.  In the 30 years since Mr. Moore’s passing, Rayvon has carried on his principles of when you see a need, meet it and you have to have the stock to sell.

We carry a line of merchandise that includes everything from clothing to hoop cheese.  We are an original “country store” and offer something for everyone.  In addition to the many unique and hard to find items that we carry, we have a very large selection of Carhartt apparel and the most popular brands of work boots.  We invite you to visit us.  Surprises will greet you around every corner.  For more information please visit us online at http://www.jrmooreson.com .

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce ourselves.

JR Moore & Son Staff

Date: Fri, 5 Dec 2008 18:10:54 -0500
From: Mariah Wheeler
Subject: The Joyful Jewel locally made pieces for all tastes & budgets

The Joyful Jewel, 45 West St., PBO (next to General Store Cafe)

Enter through the water walkway (sidewalk mural) to the sound of swing music and three water fountains.  You’ll soon see that The Joyful Jewel lives up to its motto of “one of a kind jewelry for the discerning soul.”

The 14 local artists represented in the gallery create items that take time, and require inspired processes as well as skill.  This is jewelry, cards and stained glass art that you won’t
find in other gift stores or even most galleries as, by its nature, the artists’ natures, and the care given to each piece, it can’t be mass-produced.  We’re sure to have pieces to suit your taste and your budget.  Our artists are all local so you know you’ll be seeing a creation fresh from it’s source.

45 West St. (next to the General Store Café).  Website: www.joyfuljewel.com, phone: 545-6836.  Holiday Hours:  Mon & Tues 11 – 2, Thurs. 2 – 6, Fri. 10 – 8, Sat. 10 – 6 and Sun. 12 – 4.  Mariah Wheeler, Proprietor.

Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 15:40:21 -0500
From: leela ellis
Subject: LBD & Big Boxes

Hi All,
For a bunch of years I (Leela) was employed at one of our local “big-box” grocery stores.  I echo Julia Kennedy’s experience when she states: “Food is often destroyed when it’s “freshness” time expires (we’re talking a couple of hours here, not days), not offered to local food shelters or even to their own employees.

The waste is shocking and extensive. Many do not recycle adding to our already overburdened landfills. Merchandise left over from last chance and Holiday sales is written off and destroyed. Much of this would be welcomed by Habitat stores or area shelters. And just because they send out a corporate pledge to make you feel better doesn’t mean they are following through behind the scenes. It costs them money to recycle food and merchandise.
This left-wing kook would prefer smart growth powered by incentives to locally owned restaurants and businesses which would further enrich (in numerous ways) our community and not encourage these soul sucking monuments to greed and commercialism.”

Date: Wed, 3 Dec 2008 11:55:47 -0500
From: New Horizons
Subject: Business Introduction

Where in Pittsboro can you find a pair of shoes for work?  or an outfit for next weekend’s party?  or even that perfect gift for your co-worker?  Why at New Horizons Trading Company of course!  Located at 52 Hillsboro Street, in the heart of historic downtown Pittsboro, New Horizons Trading Company carries a wide range of merchandise for almost any occasion.

Our clothing styles range from natural fiber clothing by companies such as Cut-Loose, Flax, Earth Creations, Pure, Willow and Wind River to a more batik-oriented look from Nomadic Traders and Eucalyptus to dressier styles from Lily, Momentum or 180.  We carry Jag jeans (the most comfortable and well-fitting jeans I’ve ever worn!) and we also
have an extensive offering of Life is Good merchandise.

Dansko, Merrell, Keen, Naot and Crocs are the main shoe lines at New Horizons.  In addition we have just received our first shipment from Earth Shoes!  Yes, the Earth Shoes that you remember from back in the day…We have one of the best selections of Danskos in the Triangle and regularly place special orders for items that we don’t have in stock. In addition we carry a lovely handcrafted line from Spain called Pikolinos and a South African line called Tsonga which features shoes and sandals made by a cooperative of women.  ”Reap What You Sew” is their motto and their cooperative has truly brought benefit to their community.

New Horizons is the place to go for stocking stuffers and secret Santa gifts!  Our unique and eclectic gifts cover the spectrum- we have books, candles, garden art, frames, and body products (soaps, body butters, lip balms, etc.)  as well as a good selection of jewelry in various styles and prices.  Have you gotten your special “Perfect Pittsboro” or “Beautiful Bynum” or “Marvelous Moncure” soaps yet?  We still have some in stock just waiting for you.  If you need a gift for a baby or mother-to-be then you most likely can find it at New
Horizons, too!  We have a great selection of Klutz activity sets for children as well as those Ugly Dolls which are so cute that you’ve got to see them to know what I mean.

So, the next time you need an outfit or some shoes or are looking for the perfect gift for that special person in your life (that special person might even be yourself!), then make sure to stop by New Horizons Trading Company.  We are open seven days a week and will have extended hours until 8:00 on Friday evenings during the month of December.  If you have questions about anything that we carry or would like for us to look for something for you please call 542-7366 or e-mail newhorizonstrdg@bellsouth.net.

Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:29:03 -0500
From: Pat Dawson
Subject: Siler City Merchants Food Drive

The Siler City Merchants Association will be hosting a canned food drive to help the West Chatham Food Bank.

The kick off will be a the Siler City Christmas Parade on December 4th and will continue for the next 4 weeks.

Anyone bringing in a donation will be eligible to enter into the drawing for a $25.00 gift certificate.  There will be one drawing each week.  Drop off points will be at the following Siler City Merchants:

McDonald Brothers, Inc – 506 S. Chatham Ave
NC Arts Incubator – Chatham Ave.
Paperbacks Plus! – 208 E. Raleigh St.
Raleigh Street Gallery – 120 W. Raleigh St
Realty World Chatham Properties – 1758A E. Eleventh St.
Siler City Self Storage – 132 Village Lake Road

Please help in supporting The West Chatham Food Bank during this season.

Pat Dawson
Paperbacks Plus!

Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:37:24 -0500
From: gia miele
Subject: new store in town

New home furnishings and gift store

Last week, URBAN SAMPLER opened for business at 76 Hillsboro Street.  We don’t have permanent signs yet but you can easily spot us with the newly painted red door and yellow window trim.

URBAN SAMPLER aims to become your favorite store for fabulous Christmas decorations…great baby gifts…stunning jewelry and fine art by local artists…super selection of candles and picture frames…gourmet
treats…home made candy…glorious dishes and serving platters…special pet stuff…luscious body care products…unique home accessories and many, many more whimsical and stylish gifts for yourself and everyone in your life.

We are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and after Thanksgiving will also be open on Sunday from 12 to 5 pm.

So far the feedback from everyone who has visited the store has been wonderful and I am so glad to have chosen Pittsboro to open my store.  My name is Gia Miele and I hope you will visit soon.