MARION L. STELTS

About a month ago, I posted a letter about Smith’s monopoly on the Hill, their high prices for groceries and gasoline, and their deteriorating service (link). I suggested that the only way to get their attention was to shop off the Hill to hurt them financially.

I have been taking my own advice and I wish to report on the experience.

I have been driving one morning a week to Espanola to shop at Walmart and Food Town. Prices are mostly lower than Smith’s at both institutions. For one example, a dozen of extra-large eggs is $0.69 at Walmart compared to $2.20 at Smith’s, is quite striking.

Both institutions offer check out by people instead of machines

I have been getting gasoline for $2.30 per gallon at Food Town.

It takes about 2 hours to drive down shop and return. I find the experience quite satisfactory and I am saving far more money than the cost of the gas that I use.

I still patronize the pharmacy at Smith’s. They offer good service and reasonable prices.

I still use Smith’s as I would a convenience store to pick up items that I need immediately, but most of shopping is now done in Espanola. I hope more people will do as I am so that we can get the attention of Smith’s management.

Both stores have human’s.