Our Favorite Think. Shop. Buy. Local Stories
Our 3rd Winner:
George Drumwright
George Drumwright is our newest Shopping Spree winner! Here’s part of what he wrote: "This is what a local owner can do: The owner of Barnett’s Hallmark Shops, Steve Barnett, responded to my inquiry they had two oversized retirement cards. The next day, Steve delivered two cards to me. The cards were perfect for my purpose. I then went by his store and paid for both cards. Service at that point was above and beyond, as they were waiting for me and offered large seals for the cards." George selected certificates from Barnett’s Hallmark, Puritan Cleaners and Hilton Garden Inn Downtown for his Shopping Spree!
I have a very old home in the town of West Point that was in bad need of gutters. My co-worker had used Gutter Genius and was impressed with owner Michael Hanley. I contacted Michael and he gave us the best quote for the job. He did a wonderful job adding on the gutters and took the architectural features of our home into account. Best of all we didn't have to be here for an estimate and he was very easy to communicate with over email. The job was done fast too! We are very pleased.
Rachel S
Recently I noticed a great laptop bag that my friend was carrying. She told me where she got it, so I went to the nearest location in search of it. The employee who greeted me was extremely helpful, and even knew what bag I was describing—but we were unable to find the bag in stock. She told me that it was a style from the previous year and they did not carry it anymore. Unbeknown to me, the employee got on the phone later that afternoon and called other locations in other parts of the country. After many calls, she actually found three of these bags in the Midwest. I was surprised to receive a phone call from her the next day to let me know that she found a few of these bags in different colors and was having them shipped to her store for me to look at. Long story short, I now own two of these bags . . . one in each color that was made. I LOVE them! I would never have found them without the employee's help. In my eyes, she really went above and beyond to help me. I am really impressed . . . and I will always be a customer of our local store in Glen Allen!
Jo Ann R
Lakeside Farmers' Market Debuting New Pavilion
I searched the Internet for a local place to buy my Bumbleride Indie Twin. The closest place I could find was Tots On The Go. The owner, Ellie, was awesome to work with. I emailed her lots of questions and she answered every one promptly and courteously. The icing on the cake was that she personally delivered my new stroller and set it up for me. I've told so many people about her business and I will definitely shop with her again!
Kristy B
This past April I proceeded to go on the terrifying and exciting endeavor that is senior prom dress shopping. After searching through Dillards, Macy's, Nordstrom's, Cache, and Saks, I was pretty frustrated- you see, the problem is with my size. At 4'11 and a 0, it is not only hard enough to find my size in a dress, but also to find a dress that doesn't make me look either like a little girl dressing up in grown up clothes, or like one of the seven dwarves. As a last hope effort, my mother and I went to Lex's of Carytown. Admittedly, Lex's was pretty intimidating upon first entrance—there were girls, mom's, and dresses EVERYWHERE! Despite the large crowd, within two minutes of entering and being shell shocked, one of the girls who worked there introduced herself and immediately offered to help. Not only was she extremely knowledgeable about the stock, but she also knew what was in style and what would look good on ME. First, she had my pick dresses that immediately appealed to me to get an idea of what I liked. Then, based on her knowledge and my tastes, she pulled several more dresses in addition to the ones I picked for me to try on. After trying several on, I had narrowed my favorites down to two—both were her picks. The best part of my experience, however, was that I didn't feel rushed nor did I feel the pressure to make a quick decision to buy. To help me pick the best one, the sales girl picked out some coordinating accessories to go with each dress including shoes so that I could see the whole look together—the classic, one shouldered red gown instantly stood out. Lex's of Carytown combined excellent service as well as a full stock and great prices—especially on accessories—to help me find the PERFECT dress. I will definitely be returning for any formal occasions that I may have at the University of Miami, and have suggested it to all of my friends.
Haley V
I have to say that Ben Franklin Crafts is one of the happiest shops I like to visit! Not only is the staff friendly, but they are always interested in hearing about your next project. I love this because they suggest items or ways of doing the project that I never would have considered!
If you want to "get your creative on" visit Ben Franklin Crafts like I always do.
Sincerely,
Samantha NF
I like to shop locally, because I can see and touch the item I'm shopping for and, if I am not pleased with it, easily return it. I also like contributing to the local Richmond economy; I would like the community to grow and prosper and local mercants contribute to this.
Priya J
My story is about Susan's Selections. I go there quite often . . . to the point that most of the staff know me on a first name basis and vice versa.
It is a shopper's and collector's "paradise," consisting of consignments that are very affordable and desirable. Consignments range from vintage pieces to retro pieces to more modern pieces. The staff members are wonderfully cheerful and helpful; I can't single out a shopping experience, because they have all been great.
It's nice to know that I can go to my "toy store" and very often come out with an item or items that haven't broken the bank.
Gene H
After realizing that I would probably never find what I wanted for my "Bride's Ladies" gowns for our Old Hollywood themed New Year's Eve wedding in a traditional wedding shop I knew that Lex's of Carytown would be a gold mine. Sure enough, armed with three bridesladies in tow we found a GORGEOUS nude colored sequined gown that we all fell in love with immediately. After trying them on and realizing it was perfect, Gigi and Lisa of Lex's scrambled to find out if there was any way we could secure two more gowns for the girls who live out of town. Sure enough the next day I got a call saying they would have the gowns in store within a week. As promised they arrived and my ladies walked down the aisle in style!! I also ended up buying my wedding gown from there as well! Gigi and Lisa go out of their way to make sure their customers look fabulous for any event!!
Kellie G
I just wanted to take a moment to offer my testimonial for the outstanding service I received from Gutter Genius—for the follow through and professionalism! What a refreshing change to meet a sales professional who really knows his business and the importance of customer service from begining to end and afterward! Our job is likely one of the smallest their team will take care of this year, yet we were treated with respect and attention that FAR EXCEEDED our expectation.
The work was impeccible, and so was the customer service! Gutter Genius may be the last of a dying breed and I just can't tell you how impressed I am as a fellow salesperson in the home industry. We will be happy to recommend Gutter Genius to co-workers and neighbors and it will give me great pleasure to know that Gutter Genius will take care of them by providing a level of service few can reach or master.
We got our money's worth and SO MUCH MORE!
Darla R
I had a great experience buying a bicyle and car rack at Agees Bicycles. What a great family Bike store. I did a bit of research and found out that they have been a local Richmond, Virginia retailer for 100 years and that they support great causes like the Virginia Capital Trail. I highly recomend these guys for a great value and a great shopping experience.
John M
I absolutely loved shopping at Lex's of Carytown. The people were great and even picked out my dress for me! (I love my dress!) I'm so glad that I went to Lex's for my prom dress; I'll definitely be back next year.
Brooke T
Shopped for a prom dress at Lex's of Carytown and had great service throughout—very helpful and very friendly. The girl with the tatoos is awesome!
Katie J
Ukrops has been an AWESOME part of Richmond for so many years. From their 10K's to the way they take you to the product you are searching for in the store. They will be missed, but not forgotten.
Michael T
I always enjoy shopping at Susan's Selections store & estate sales. Susan & Roy are just the best to buy from. They actually care about their clients and even call if they have something in the shop they know I'm looking for. It's like having a shopping service. I love getting their emails to alert me to their estate sales. I look around my house at the great buys . . . rugs, lamps, yard furniture, mirrors, antiques, house hold furnishings . . . the list goes on & on. And I love consigning furniture that just doesn't fit at our new house. It's always nice to get a check in the mail from them!!!
Jeanne W
Last year I wanted to add some contemporary flair to my kitchen with new chairs. I purchased 3 chairs from La Difference and they ordered the other 3. Unfortunately, two of the chairs were damaged so I returned them and began to look on the internet for a substitute. I found a terrific chair at a huge online chair distributor. I printed the photo and took it to La Diff. They agreed to order the chairs for me & matched the price! I didn't mind paying sales tax because I knew that I was supporting our local economy and because La Diff was so great to work with. I knew they would stand behind the product if something went wrong. I love the chairs and have recommended their store to others.
Julia H
Shopping for dresses has always made me nervous, but I knew that if I wanted the perfect dress for my senior prom, I would find it in Carytown. The first shop I decided to try was Lex's of Carytown, and I definitely needed to look no further.
The shop was already packed with other girls trying on gowns for similar occasions, and the volume and variety of gowns was immense! Especially during such a busy day, I am still completely astounded by the wonderful experience that the Lex's staff provided me with. A saleswoman was ready to help me in minutes, immediately understood the vision I had, and selected several dresses that I wouldn't have thought to try—and they were all fabulous! The staff was so encouraging, supportive, and helpful, and I left with the perfect gown and accessories to match. Despite the remarkable number of clientele they dealt with that day, they kept every sale as personal as if you were the only one in the store. I can't thank the lovely ladies at Lex's enough for such an amazing experience!
Kate G
Tots On The Go Gives Back
Tots On The Go hosted a Family Fun Day on Sept. 26 to benefit ASK, the non-profit organization that benefits the families of children with cancer needs. There were special children’s activities and a silent auction with all proceeds going to ASK. Owner Ellie Venafro would like to thank all who attended and those who helped to make the event a success.
Midas of Richmond Really Gives Back to the Community
Midas of Richmond offered free oil changes last week to people who donated blood at donation centers set up by Virginia Blood Services at three of the auto service company's locations. Short Pump saw 200 people donate which is their largest single day turnout ever! Hull Street had 104 people donate which is the largest single day result that store has ever seen! And Colonial Heights had 71 people show up which is the second or third highest volume donor day they have ever had!
Prizes were given to donors who had given more than once a year. Blood services currently needs O negative, A negative and B negative blood donations. Officials are working ahead to ensure there is enough supply for the holiday period. Midas will conduct one more blood drive this year on December 5 and five more drives are already scheduled for 2010. Said Mark Smith, owner, “I will give away 375 oil changes anytime for results like this!”
Ribbons and Rolls Office Supplies Switches to Local
Scott Harris and Shawn Stahr from Ribbons and Rolls Office Supplies recently went to one of the Think. Shop. Buy. Local seminars and on the way back to the office started brain storming on how they could utilize local companies in their business.
They discovered that they could utilize the following local vendors for their services:
- Payroll—Dominion Payroll (Local)
- Janitorial Service—Jan-Pro (Local)
- Bank Services—Citizens and Farmers Bank (Local)
- Tax Service—People Income Tax (Local)
- Accounting Consultant—Net 30 (Local)
Thinking locally is something we can all do!
Local Merchant Richmond Piano Gets Creative with Their Own Cash for Clunkers Promotion!
This Shopper Was Thinking Local!
When tending to his brother’s pets while his brother was on vacation, a local businessman noticed a Think. Shop. Buy. Local ad from Richmond Times-Dispatch on the kitchen table and thought to himself, “I am in the market for a lawn mower so I think I’ll go right down to Pleasant’s Hardware and shop there.” He bought a lawn mower from Pleasant’s and is so happy that he decided to shop locally. He further perused all the logos in the ad looking for more local businesses to patronize! Be sure you think locally whenever you are in the market for your next purchase!
Housetrends Magazine Partners with Carytown Merchants on Design Event
Housetrends Magazine kicked off its participation in the Think. Shop. Buy. Local initiative with a recent celebration of Carytown style at Leo Burke Furniture. For three weeks in July, the front window of Leo Burke was transformed into a colorful, stylish and inviting living room, highlighting some of the latest decorating options available from Carytown merchants. Co-sponsored by Jack Burke of Leo Burke Furniture and Susan Jamieson of Bridget Beari Designs (who coordinated the design of the living room), the window display perfectly captured the eclecticism and creativity of Carytown. Delighted with the outcome, Jack Burke exclaimed “It’s always a pleasure to work with talented designers [like Janet Brown Interior Design] but working with them in our showroom window was a real treat!”
The Leo Burke display was also the inaugural event of Housetrend’s new series, “Defining Design in Richmond.” Created by Evan Silverstein, publisher of Housetrends, and Susan Jamieson, Defining Design in Richmond will feature the very best of Richmond design, always drawing on local architects, designers, decorators, contractors, craftsmen and merchants. Says Silverstein, “You’ll learn where to locate these decorative items, materials, and furnishings in our area and get exposed to the individual styles of Richmond’s design professionals.”
Silverstein and Jamieson are already planning the second episode of Defining Design in Richmond, so stay tuned! In the interim, visit www.Housetrends.com/DefiningDesign to view a video of the Carytown project.
Local...Hawaii?
If you live in Hawaii and shop in Hawaii, you're thinking local, right? Last week we had a call from a shop-owner in Hawaii who discovered this Think. Shop. Buy. Local website online and called to ask how he could get a password to access those areas that are password protected. We explained that these areas are for the sole use of our participating members and he asked if he should become a member! (of course we sent him all the info) Is there a Hawaii chapter in our future?
The word is definitely getting out as more and more people hear about the Think. Shop. Buy. Local campaign. It has touched the hearts and minds of consumers and businesses owners alike.
Share Your "Think. Shop. Buy. Local" Stories With Us!
We would love to hear from you. If you have a recent experience that would make an interesting testimonial (and good PR for you), please let us know. We are hearing that customers are taking our campaign to heart and are choosing to shop locally. Have a great story? Let us know by calling Len East at 804-662-5500 or emailing len@retailmerchants.com. We may post your experience right here on our web site!
Read: Think. Shop. Buy. Local—Wanted: YOUR local shopping stories
Passport LaDiff, July 17, 2009