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Editorials
Country Stores
This week the Rappahannock News completes a 15-part series on the county’s general stores. It has been an interesting adventure.
Cindy Mahan has criss-crossed the county interviewing owners and clerks and photographing the varied establishments that play such a vital part in the county’s community life. Store owners have been generous hosts and have also been generous in letting the News borrow old photographs of the stores to help illustrate their history.
It is quite true that most items cost less at the supermarkets in the larger towns in the counties on Rappahannock’s borders. That is because those stores get more of a price break from middlemen. But saving a 50-mile round trip in an automobile makes up for a lot in cost. '* It is also quite true that the supermarkets offer a greater variety of Merchandise, but why anyone would want to choose from 27 different varieties of landry detergent, powdered and liquid, in at least three sizes each, when the goal is simply to wash the clothes is a mystery.
Each of Rappahannock’s country stores has a unique personality. Loyal customers have been known to drive past two or more other country stores to get to the one that is “home” to them.
Some people prefer the impersonal approach. They like to get their cash from a machine instead of a bank teller. They buy the Rappahannock News from the paper box outside even when the office is open. Perhaps they look forward to the day when they can automatically purchase their groceries and have the cost deducted from their bank account without ever encountering a sales clerk. * Fortunately in Rappahannock County many people prefer to buy $ieir groceries from someone they know. They linger to discuss the Weather, national news and local gossip. “ Many of these stores are surviving by becoming carry-out restaurants. They “go with the flow” adjusting their inventory to meet customer demand. Some also sell gasoline; some do not. Some have fresh meat; some do not. * All are important to the customers they serve, and their collective survival is vital to the future health of the county. * Rappahannock is blessed to have these varied country stores. Residents need to see that they continue to prosper by patronizing diem.
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