hey keith---nice of you to keep up on our political shenanigans. just before labor day break, a very union supported bill (retail clerks) was snuck through by a congressman representing what he termed, "the poor abused neighborhood, korean owned grocery (read liquor) store owners." he complained that it was impossible to go into a neighborhood and find a cleaners or a pharmacy anymore because of the proliferation of the "big box" retailers, i.e., wal mart (sams club) and costco. he went on to state, "we have to stop the bastards now!"
i choked on my coffee and faxed a letter to the guv. i wasn't sure if i was more upset about the bill or the fact it was "back doored" through without any public debate or notification that it was being considered.
our new guv, grey davis, vetoed the bill a couple of weeks ago deriding the way it was handeled. but, also said if properly presented and approved he would seriously look at it. what the bill does is limit the ammount of space the big boxes can use for pharmacutical, food and liquor items, thusly creating a situation where they won't be able to afford these departments in the stores.
the coalition was endorsed by most of the major food markets, including safeway which has no socal stores left but does own a local chain by the name of vons.
if you, or anyone else out there in AIM land, ever get the chance to shop at a costco store, take it. it is indeed one of life's pleasures. in fact i was in this morning buying a propane heater for the patio at $150 less than i could buy it anywhere else. one of the few things i do know a great deal about is the way retail works. i can guarantee you, costco takes the lowest markup on their goods by far (average 10%) than any other retailer in the country. and, they will only caryy the #1 or #2 brand in a catagory. and catagories are constantly coming and going so if you don't buy it today, it might be gone tomorrow when you come back.
their meat quality is above anything you can find at a chain supermarket. their produce is to die for and most importantly their liquor prices put all others to shame. their selection of premium wines is unbelievable. yeah, i'm a fan!!!
sk |
