People's behviour

We have been running as a Community Shop for about 15yrs.During that time the shop has had its ups and downs.These all concern the gross turnover figures and whether people are using the shop.During the year we have seen a slight drop of 2%.Then suddenly,in the last quarter we have seen a drop of 7%.I am now told that December's figures are even worse.At the same time the supermarkets are returning record figures and increased growth.This means to me that the local people have forgotten about their own shop as they respond to the aggressive marketting of the supermarkets.

At this time of snowy weather we have managed to stay open and maintain supplies and have suddenly found these missing persons have returned.We have further been thanked by the elderly and those living alone, as without us being open and three days of power cuts they could not have managed.So I have decided to take the bull by the horns.I am telling the people of Hambledon that I shall resign in 6mths time unless they return to the village shop where I put in all my time voluntarily and as a guide, spend £30 a week.This is mostly aimed at the better off and those with 4 X 4'swho pass us by for the supermarket each week.I am telling them that they are selfish as the elderly and infirm need us and by their behaviour they are putting the whole enterprise at risk.

Will this work.I will let you know in the future but last time I tried this it certainly did!

P.J.Underwood

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