By: Billy

Billy — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 23:11:51 +0000

So I am a big fan of helping out locally but I feel I must post about my two recent efforts and why I am getting a little nervous about some of these stores being open a year from now.
Two and a half weeks ago I was in a bookstore in New York and saw a book I was interested in. I realized I would not be able to start it while in New York so I got on the phone and called Wordsmiths and placed an order. Two and a half weeks later it still has not been ordered. Today the employee explained to me that they are having difficulty ordering books because they dont have the money to advance. I am not sure why they dont ask people to prepay for orders to solve this problem. I was one of the people who donated money to help the store but I feel that maybe some of their problems are in operations not customers. In this day and age of Amazon.com, two and a half weeks is a long time to be waiting for a book.
Also two weeks ago I went to Parkers on Ponce and sat at the bar and oredred a soup and an entree. The soup made it out and 30 minutes later I was still waiting for the entree. I told the waitress that I would have to go and she didnt seem that bothered by the botched service and handed me a bill for the soup. As I was walking out a manager stopped me and said “I understand there was an incident”. Not really the best way to handle this but I explained the what happened. He then told me that their meals usually took 15 minutes to cook. Fine…I had been waiting 30 minutes. Mind you, all I wanted to do at this point was leave. I had not asked for an explaination or to speak with someone. He then told me that they had sat a large party and that may be why the food was taking a while and that this was very unusual. Just as he said that someone came and told him they had been waiting 45 minutes for their food. He then asked for my phone number so he could call and get my address to send me something (not sure why he didnt just ask me then for my address). I gave him my phone number and it has been two weeks and there has not been a phone call.
Please dont even get me started on the Verizon store. I have been there 4 times to ask questions and make changes in my plan. They have never been able to answer a question and any of the changes they have made on my plan have never been processed. I end up having to go to the store at Northlake.
In a down economy, service is everything. Come on Decatur stores. I know we need to do our part in buying local but you must give us a reason to do so!

By: thbu

thbu — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:35:21 +0000

I HEART HELIOTROPE! Fantastic taste, totally reasonable prices, awesome staff. We always find something great when we go there. I hope they did ok this holiday season.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:42:45 +0000

CSD Mom, I totally agree……..the guys at Whit’s End are the BEST! I noticed that their prices were better than at REI this entire holiday season. This shop is truly about Decatur and deserves continued local support. While their selection can’t be as extensive as a big store, they are spot on as to what the local guy is wearing, and their customer service is top notch. I don’t get why this store isn’t packed everyday!?

By: CSD Mom

CSD Mom — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:16:04 +0000

I was really grateful to Whit’s End for special-ordering some Levi’s for me and giving me the Terrific Thursday 10% off even though it was a special order. And though they didn’t think they would get them in before Christmas, they did! Thanks guys.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:35:18 +0000

We shopped almost exclusively in Decatur……Heliotrope, Mingei, Whit’s End, and Melrose. Great service, prices, selection. No reason to go anywhere else!

Comments on: Evaluating Our 2008 Holiday Season

By: Billy

By: thbu

By: Rebecca

By: CSD Mom

By: Rebecca