LETTER: Quimper has been good for community

Posted

While I consciously shop locally as much as is possible, I took my dollars out of town until Quimper Mercantile opened its doors.

Our wonderful independents have inspired stuff that I purchase and use or gift regularly. But when it comes to basics, Henery’s and Don’s Pharmacy only take one so far. There was a need for exactly what Quimper Mercantile is: a welcoming, community general store for basic household and lifestyle needs. I continue to shop all our independents, including Quimper Mercantile, now able to keep the bulk of my spending in town.

The characterization of Quimper as our local Walmart is unfair. There is always competition in every business category. Competition drives us to do and be our best at what we do. It also corrects a business’s careless internal habits and lazy customer outreach.

Let’s remember, Quimper Mercantile is a community corporation. I have found Quimper’s management and staff to be responsive, warm, welcoming to customers, and supportive of other local businesses and causes. This is a needed, affordable resource our entire community can celebrate.

I will continue to support all our independents, and thanks to Quimper Mercantile, more of my money stays local. The stronger our commerce in town, the less vulnerable Port Townsend is to outside corporations offering jobs, product variety and lower price points. I’m sorry to see any of our diverse shops go. But don’t blame Quimper Mercantile.

Our local Quimper Mercantile has strengthened our base and our community.

MISSY FINNEY

Port Townsend