Date: Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:24:06 -0500
From: Phyllis Thomas
Subject: In response to Karen LaRocco

In response to Karen LaRocco concerning good jobs:  If you are out of work and need a job and WalMart is the only one offering a job, then it’s a good job for you.  Income coming in, albeit not the best in the world, is better than no income.

There are those of us who are thankful for the prices that WalMart provides.

If you don’t like WalMart, shop elsewhere.  I try to support local businesses as best I can, but there are times when it is just not financially feasible for me to do so.

Phyllis

Date: Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:13:25 -0500
From: JG
Subject: WalMart

Lots of interesting points of view here….I’ll offer another:

I shop at Wal Mart and it doesn’t change what I see when I look in the mirror.

I shop there because they have the food and products and services that I need for me and my kids….and it’s what I can afford.

I’m faced with economic uncertainty and cash-flow irregularities daily/weekly/monthly as a result of the choice I made to own my own business (which doesn’t compete with Wal Mart). And I don’t / won’t apologize for pursuing that life/career path.
I’m working towards the American Dream…and I work my a$$ off in order to achieve it.

My primary responsibility in life right now is to my kids…to see that their needs are met…usually ahead of mine.
I work my a$$ off for them to have what they need ( and some of what they want) too.

Wal mart offers me a lot more bang for my buck than any other place I know of.

I’d like to be able to afford to buy all their food at the local farmer’s markets and co-ops.
I’d like to be able to afford to buy all their clothes and school supplies and toiletries at a ‘name brand’ store.
I’d like to be able to afford to buy the oil and tires and anti-freeze etc. that keep my vehicle running, so that I can take my kids to and from school and all the related activities, from a local auto shop.
I’d like to have a shopping experience that doesn’t involve ‘traffic’, or increase the threat of adverse environmental damage to the surrounding area, or take away from some other smaller, ‘local’, somehow more deserving merchant.
I’d like to be able to ‘vote with my wallet/feet etc.’ to send a message that ‘Made In USA’ is my preference.
I’d like to be as concerned about surrounding property values as others are, but it’s hard to explain that to my kids.
I’d like to be more concerned about how the businesses I patronize allocate their revenue, but again, my kids don’t really understand that.

But what my kids do understand is gratitude for what they do have, regardless of where their clothes etc. come from. They understand that no issue in life is ever ONLY one sided.
They know that they are loved, and as a result of that *I* sleep really well at night.

When I’m trying to figure out how I can stretch my last $50 or $70 so that I can feed my kids for another week, and still have enough gas to get them to school, none of the above items really factor into my decision making process.

It’s the (economic) reality that I live with every day.

And I’m pretty sure that it’s not Sam Walton’s fault that this country, and the economy, is in the shape that it’s in.

And to offer some perspective; I recycle, I was a bicycle commuter for years, I’m not a ‘conspicuous consumer’ (of anything), I live within my means, and when I say I put my kids 1st, it’s not just words, it’s what I actually do.
I’m no fan of ‘The Man’ in any form…whether it’s Uncle Wally, or Uncle Sam, or anybody in between.

I’m glad Wal Mart is coming to N.Chatham, and my kids will be too.

Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2011 15:48:33 -0500
From: Gene Galin
Subject: Walmart Coming To Chatham County on 15-501 near Orange County line

Chapel Hill Town Manager Roger Stancil says that “plans for a new Walmart had been filed with Chatham County, right over the line, which I think would make it very convenient for people to leave Chapel Hill, shop in Chatham County and then come back and live here.”
 
Orange County economic development director Steve Brantley says the average Walmart generates about $70 million in retail sales.
 
“The significant property tax and retail sales tax from that Walmart will be supported, probably in large part, by Orange County shoppers,” Brantley says.
 
The Walmart currently in Hillsborough pays $200,000 in county property taxes each year, and produces about 10 percent of Orange County’s annual sales tax revenue.

Read the entire story at http://www.chapelboro.com/Walmart-Coming-To-Chatham-County/11663162

Chatham Online BBS discussion at http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,24679.0.html

Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2011 17:20:01 -0500
From: “Paperbacksplus” Subject: Local Author Book Signing and…..Moon Pie Dessert Bar

Ghost stories, flickering yellow lights in the dead of night and strange appearances of an apparition garbed in tattered clothes from the colonial period. This is the basis of a new book, written by Apex, NC author, R.T. Crowley.”THE WANDERER OR NEW HOPE”

In the novel, “THE WANDERER OF NEW HOPE” the author and local historian takes the reader through the history of the valley of New Hope Creek, now known as Jordan Lake. The valley is located in Chatham County in the heart of the Research Triangle area between Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The author uses historical events to bring the fictional Stone family to life. The story begins with the patriarch of the family, Lysander Stone, and his recollection of the legend of “‘THE WANDERER OF NEW HOPE”. Through the years, the Wanderer makes memorable appearances in the lives of the family.

R.T. Crowley is a writer, historian, actor and businessman. Having authored books on various facets of business, he has now turned his pen to fiction with “THE WANDERER OF NEW HOPE”.

In honor of the Southern theme of the book you will be able to enjoy that ultimate Southern delicacy….Moon Pies. But…not just Moon Pies. There will be an assortment of toppings provided for a make your own Moon Pie dessert bar. So come visit us at Paperbacks Plus!, meet a local author with a wonderful story, and enjoy guilt-free Moon Pies.

Book signing will be held Saturday, January 29th from 11:00 to 1:00.

Paperbacks Plus!
208 E. Raleigh Street
Siler City, NC
742-4033

Hope to see you there.zo

Pat

Date: Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:39:20 -0500
From: pam smith
Subject: Beggars and Choosers is closing

Beggars and Choosers is closing after Christmas. We will be open Mon. Dec. 21 thru Thur. Dec. 24. The store was robbed the day of the street fair. We were hit hard and it has taken the joy out of working and I need to take a break to get my groove back.

We have had a great 32 years serving this community and I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have supported me, my family. and Beggars and Choosers. Please continue to support the local business’s and resturants in town. They need your support in order to continue serving you.

Don’t miss our 1 DAY ONLY SALE!!!! Sat. Jan 2. 50%-75% off storewide.This is our way of giving back to all of you who have made our lives rich in love and laughter! May the New Year bring much peace and joy into your lives I know that’s what I’m hoping for.

Pam, Snuffy, Jones, and Noah Smith

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: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 23:38:46 -0400
From: Calvin Oxendine
Subject: Re: Who Accepts PLENTYs

Thank you for sending me this list.  I now know which of my friends I should pressure to end their participation.

I was there in Pittsboro Feed when Lyle was putting the pressure on Christine and David, it was sickening. Y’all are a little too overzealous in your pursuit of the program.  You yourself talked me out of participation with how pushy you were being.  It looks like that zeal is going to be what kills it.  It also will probably kill the willingness of folks to work with you and Lyle in future endeavors.

I really hope this does not hurt the Chatham Marketplace, it would truly be a shame.  My advise is to let the Plenty die, try to rebuild your reputation, learn from your failure and move on to a worthy endeavor that Pittsboro might be a little more receptive to.

Cal

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: 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