Today, we went out of town to a few antique shops in different towns that we have enjoyed browsing through, in the past. The first shop, Antiques Gallery of Franklin, is shut down for good. The space is offered for lease. The second shop we visited was finally open for the season, and I was able to look at the offerings on the first floor of three levels. I spent a total of $15.00 for some small items, and Jim was surprised that I did not want to browse further.
Business owners should pay attention to the comfort of their customers and not GLEEFULLY announce that they have no public restroom, particularly when the business is situated in the boonies and the alternative choice is perhaps finding a bush!
There was no one else in the shop. The owner had to fill out three different forms for the three different dealers who offered the merchandise I bought. I felt sorry for him. It’s a tough life and business is bad, all the way around.
I would have happily shopped on, but well… I couldn’t!
This kind of situation has happened before. In one case, I was told that I could “just” drive about five miles down the road to the nearest Dunkin’ Donuts. In another case, it was suggested that I drive over the state line to find the nearest restaurant. This is unacceptable. In the future, I will not plan to shop at ANY antique shops that do not offer rest facilities. Really, “TP” cannot be that expensive, considering that, in each case, I would have shopped more, given the chance.
Wise up, antique shop owners! You can be smug, or you can be hateful, but in the end, YOU will be the losers! Of course, I realize that this message will not reach its intended destination. I’m told that antique shop owners and many of their shoppers are ignorant and don’t know how to even turn on a computer. (I was actually told this by a shop owner!) Oh, well! Maybe someone will pass the word along. One can only hope!
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
