Once again I’m saddened that another local business has closed. Our Smyrna Rexall Drugs has been around for decades. Unfortunately it’s no more. I recently heard about this from my Mother. I thought surely she was confused. Unfortunately she wasn’t. This is just another sign of the times here in America. The little man just can’t compete against the big box stores.
Smyrna Rexall was the type of place I loved doing business with. When you walked in the door your were greeted with a smile and they called you by your name. They knew their customers. They cared about their customers. As far as I know they were the only drugstore in town that still delivered. For myself that was wonderful. My Aunt could have her scripts brought right to her door. This was one less thing I needed to worry about.
I understand the headaches and troubles of owning a business. I’ve had one myself. There comes a time when the hardships and struggles just aren’t worth it anymore. Unfortunately our country seems to work against the small family owned businesses. A sad but true fact. I don’t really have any answer to fix this problem. But something needs to be done.
One thing we can all do is seek out the locally owned businesses and trade with them. Sometimes it may cost a little more. But really isn’t it worth it to show them you appreciate them. Maybe you don’t do this all the time. Just think of what a difference your purchase can make. These are the people who live in our communities. The people who we should be supporting. They are the people that give back to the communities. They provide jobs for our kids. They provide the foundations for our next generations to succeed. They lead by example showing how to appreciate customers.
I spent some time waiting on some scripts for my Aunt this afternoon at the chain drugstore that we will have to use now. They didn’t know my name. They didn’t greet me when I walked in. They didn’t thank me when I walked out. They did however let me know the prices would be more than I was use to paying. Imagine that. For now I don’t have another option. But you can rest assured that whenever possible Ole Ronman will be spending his money at the local merchants.
Thank you Lee Cole for all the years of wonderful customer service and friendship. Smyrna Rexall will be sorely missed.
Ride Safe
Ronman
