You know there are local businesses that you just love -- tell us about them on Shop Batavia and you could win a $100 gift certificate from one of your favorite businesses.
Here's how it works: Register as a user on Shop Batavia then find the listing for your favorite business(es) and leave a five-star review.
On Jan. 7, we'll randomly select one of the reviews left on The Batavian and if you're the person who left the review, we'll buy you a $100 gift certificate to that business. (If that business doesn't offer gift certificates, we'll buy a gift certificate to another favorite business you reviewed).
So, head over to Shop Batavia, now and start leaving reviews.
Clor's Meat Market went above
Clor's Meat Market went above and beyond duty to help me out the day before Christmas. I asked them to fill a big order with only hours left before closing and they came through for me in a BIG way. Thanks guys!!! It absolutely pays to shop locally!!
i like the new save a lot
i like the new save a lot store.will be shoping there often.
With regret, the Batavia
With regret, the Batavia shops that WERE my favorites and drew me to shop regularly in the city were Marshall's News, Sleghts Book Store, The Camera Shop, Unicorn Audio, Epco Electronics, The Outdoor Store, Genesee Hardware - to name a few. Those shops are gone without successor. One exception being Present Tense that filled the void left by Sleghts.
Most of the aforementioned will never resurface. Magazines, newspapers, recorded music and the technology for reproducing it have evolved, film cameras are passe. More important than replacing lost shops, variety has to return downtown- enough breadth to draw customers away from suburban malls and big box stores.
Small shops make up for size by a willingness to get what customers want when it isn't in current inventory. Aside from exceptional customer service, there must be engaging personalities behind the counter who win loyalty. All of the former store fronts came with personalities. People say that price is the deciding factor. That's a dull exaggeration. If it were true, no one would drink in a bar where the cost of one beer could buy six at the supermarket. It's really about the interaction surrounding the sale. A valued customer is a satisfied customer. Big boxes may have greeters and eager salespeople, but in the end, the customer knows their personability is enforced. "Have a nice day," is shallow compared to being known by name to the shopkeeper.
I buy tires from Sloat Tire. I know Dutch, Dean, Todd, Calvin, Tim; more significantly, they know me. The first word upon entering their shop isn't scripted.
I miss Marshall's, that was a
I miss Marshall's, that was a great place.