From: ()
Date: July 17, 2008 7:06:59 PM PDT
To: editor@ojaivalleynews.com
Subject: shopojai

Below is the result of your feedback form.  It was submitted by
 () on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 22:06:59
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

left ojai to shop: This week

purchase made: clothing, food, household items, sporting goods (hiking/backpacking)

weekly: yes

prices too high: yes

product/service unavailable: yes

would buy if here: moderately priced clothing and shoes, greater selection of humanely-raised/grass-fed/organic meats (although at this point, anything not weeks past the expiration date  a la Von's and Westridge would be satisfactory)

general comment: I know our Local Business Overlords eschew chains, what we need most here is a TRADER JOE'S.  Our Von's is scummy, Rainbow Bridge appeals to a niche market and is way too expensive for people who have to, um, you know, eat.  The Starr Market is OK but limited in selection and still fairly pricey.  Beyond that, locals need far fewer overpriced boutique-y objets d'art and more clothing appropriate for lifestyles other than spa-hopper/tourist/golfer/hippie, and maybe a place to go for small household items and furnishings.  Most locals do understand that Ojai can't accommodate a Costco, Home Depot, Target or Barnes and Noble, and many of us try to use local merchants whenever we can (a personal shout out to Meiners Oaks Hardware, Busy Babes, and the farmer's market).  Is it too much to ask that local merchants at least TRY to understand that most folks living here are not fabulously wealthy and need unglamorous necessities more than (albeit organic, free-trade) tchotzkes?

local resident: Ojai City

---------------------------------------------------------------------------