Business was better back then

Published 3:29 pm Wednesday, May 21, 2014

I do remember a time when consumers had it better.

The big box stores are here, and they have a better price. The clerks are trained to keep the line moving. If the quota is not met, the manager is fired and another manager tries to make the quota.

But there was a better, more pleasant time. You knew the name of the merchant. The banker in town knew your name. He knew if you had good credit.

Auburn has lost Peckenpaughs and Penney’s, but there is still Rottles, Scarff, Nelson’s Jewelry, and Love Travel.

You knew the merchant, and the clerk had time to visit you. You knew of any crisis he or she had faced, and they knew of any crisis you had faced.

I know I am whistling Dixie, but it was a more pleasant time.

– Harold Valentine