As some of you know, I worked at Buffums about 20 years ago. It was a lovely, upscale department store that prided itself on customer service. I loved working there. The customers were polite and appreciated the extra time the sales staff spent meeting their needs. Back then I was a fur consultant (before it was politically incorrect) working at the Westminster Mall location, and later at the former Long Beach Mall store. I had a ball fitting ladies with the newest fashions in furs or helping their hubbies (or boyfriends) find just the right jacket or coat for a birthday, holiday or anniversary gift.
With those types of customer-oriented chain stores a thing of the past, we need to look no further than our own front or back yards for the customer service of days gone by. Your local owner-operated shops, restaurants and boutiques still offer the type of care and commitment to their clients that are deserving of our dollars. These are the folks who know you by name, know what you need and want, and can even sometimes anticipate your dreams and wishes. They go out of their way to help. Some offer free gift wrapping, while others take the time to call and let you know of special sales or new merchandise. They are the businesses that advertise with your local paper to keep you informed— and therefore help keep this newspaper alive. They are the businesses that need to be supported, lest they disappear into thin air.
Besides taking care of their customers’ needs, a lot of these businesses also give back to the community. This holiday season many of them have gathered together to collect canned items for local underprivledged families. According to Linda Ivers of 8th District Councilmember Rae Gabelich’s office, “an increasing number of Long Beach families are relying on food banks this year, and supplies are short.” Please join with Councilwoman Rae Gabelich and local businesses by participating in the 8th District Canned Food Drive in support of Food Finders.
You can help make a difference during the holiday season by making a canned food donation at one of the following sponsor locations:
Councilwoman Rae Gabelich, Field Office, 3837 Atlantic Ave.
Dunn Chiropractic, 4028 Long Beach Blvd.
FreeSpirit Yoga, 3910 Atlantic Ave.
L’Exotique Appeal, 3846 Atlantic Ave.
Mirage Coffeehouse, 539 E. Bixby Rd.
Pixie Toys/Vangie Ogg Studio, 3930 Atlantic Ave.
Reptiles Unlimited, 4218 Atlantic Ave.
Salon Medusa, 4232 Atlantic Ave.
Enjoy the gift of giving, for it is the greatest gift of all.
