Which businesses to support, and not to support?

[seanhimself]

I have seen many people saying positive and negative things about businesses in Springfield. It would be good to know which gas stations, restaurants, etc. to support and which not to. Supposedly some feel as though specific food stores and gas stations are a haven for drug dealing and other things. I don't want to be the one that is contributing to this.

[strider]

While there are some businesses that are better run than others, none of them are "a haven for drug dealing and other things".  Some do certainly have this behavior going on around them and many accuse several of at least condoning this behavior by inaction as much as anything.  The bottom line is that if you feel comfortable going into the place based on how it looks, then you will be fine.  You will not be contributing to any illegal behavior unless you yourself are part of that behavior.  I am going to assume you are not.

[ChriswUfGator]

Support all of them, and if everyone shows support then many more will follow.

Although I will warn you, when it comes time to get gas, something is definitely up with the pumps at Cindi's favorite Shell station. Last time I went there, I finished pumping gas when the handle clicked itself off automatically. Then I noticed my eye-popping $67 receipt, which stated that somewhere around 25 gallons had been pumped. Imagine my surprise when I got back in the car and the needle wasn't even to the 1/1 mark! So I felt a bit ripped to say the least.

Then when I got home, I looked up the specs on Edmunds, and it looks like that model of vehicle only has a 21.1 gallon fuel tank with a 1 gallon reserve...so unless someone can explain to me how in the hell 25 gallons fit into a 22.1 gallon tank, then I would probably advise your buying gas elsewhere.

And Cindi, again, sorry I should've listened to you on that one.

[Springfield Girl]

Since these imaginary boycotts keep getting the blame for businesses closing in Springfield, how would you explain the recent closings on Main, North of Springfield? I drove that way yesterday and noticed that several businesses had closed shop. I would guess the economy along with changing demographics would make more sense. As the neighborhood changed many businesses didn't. Look at what's thriving and what is not.

[nvrenuf]

seanhimself, don't be clouded by anyone's opinion. Check out the store yourself and make decisions based on your own experience. If you enjoy your experience, repeat. If you don't like your experience, recommend changes to the owner and give them another chance or if it is so egregious don't use the facility again. It's really as simple as that.

[KuroiKetsunoHana]

pretty much what nvrenuf said--i stay the hell out ov places like three layers, but i'm quite comfortable at 8th st. market (and, for that matter, the new BP)--but i certainly don't expect that to be everyöne's cup ov caffeinated beverage ov one's choice.

[Springfield Girl]

Well on further observation I have to correct my earlier post. I drove N. Main St. to 48th St. earlier and despite the fact that 5 businesses have closed including the Hyundai dealership, (a new crab shack is getting ready to occupy the closed ice cream shop) business is booming. Between 20th and 48th Streets I counted 5 used tire shops, 7 auto repair businesses and 3 car washes. I was surprised to see they had as many tax prep places as we do since I was sure we had that market cornered. They boasted a large number of used car lots and convenience stores. Their pawn shops were much larger and prominent (chains no less) than ours and I was totally caught off guard by the fact they were able to attract 2 businesses that we don't have. I counted not one but two bailsbondsmen and the proverbial cherry on top of the business pie, the Exotic Pleasures adult entertainment and accessories shop, advertising lingerie, xxx videos and novelties in the building directly across from the Metro North Community Development Corp. office. Wow and to think we're missing out on all that.

[strider]

Of course, Springfield girl, in your haste to prove in some twisted way that Stephen is all wrong about any "boycotts" because that further north businesses are closing too and now that there are , e-gads, bad, bad businesses like used tire shops and a bail bondsman, you forgot to mention that that area has two full sized grocery stores, a donut shop, restraunts, hardware stores, ...hey, the list is long.  Now tell us how many full sized grocery stores Historic Springfield has? Yes, Historic Springfield is indeed missing out on a lot of things. But thanks as your attitude as illustrated in your posts does indeed prove what many of us here have been saying.

[nvrenuf]

Island Tropics - Caribbean food - just sayin'

[Springfield Girl]

Strider, whatever. Historic Springfield IMHO looks way better than what's North of us. Big whoop they have a Food Lion and Save-a-lot. Call me underwhelmed. The boycotting business is a joke. Bottom line, people patronize businesses they like. It is the same in every part of town.
And though I would love a Publix, I have no problem whatsoever driving the whopping six minutes to shop in Riverside. It's nice, clean, smells good and as a bonus I always run into my friends that live over there.

[Springfield Girl]

Oh and it's not so fun when people talk about your neck of the woods is it.

[Shwaz]

Support this company: http://jaguars.com/tickets/seasontickets.aspx

[strider]

Oh and it's not so fun when people talk about your neck of the woods is it.

Hey, talk about "my neck of the woods" all you want. In fact, talk about it more than you do, all publicity is good publicity.  Just be honest.  Which you were sort of failing to do in your post.

[Springfield Girl]

I love how according to you, you are the only one who is truthful and honest and it's amazing how you "know" everything about everything and everyone. I get that you have an agenda or mission but that does not translate to truth. You believing in something does not make it the "truth". You really do have a high opinion of yourself. I don't know how you and Stephen's shoulders hold your heads up.

[thelakelander]

Unfortunately, being thrown in the middle of the crazy things that continue to happen in this neighborhood, I'd say every single person and group has an agenda and mission (which isn't a bad thing in and of itself).  Nevertheless, as long as we treat all the way we would like to be treated, then things should be fine.  Unfortunately, I guess a lot of people don't really live by that motto.