Link with the community

Recently I was visiting downtown Hollister CA speaking to the local business owners about SouthValleyNetwork.com when I stumbled upon the Penny Saver on San Benito St.  Talk about stepping back in time! This place is vintage 1970's drug store. From the moment I walked through he doors I was transported back to my childhood tagging along with my Mom and Auntie as they shopped. There was always a stop at the local drug store and while my mom shopped I went to the toy isle to ogle the newest Hot Wheel.  The buildings back then where narrow but deep with a pharmacy at the back of the store. There was a certain aroma and the old timers gathered in the back to shoot the breeze and brag about their grandson or granddaughter.  The pharmacist knew you by name and there was hardly a time when you didn't bump into someone you knew in the long isles of bric-a-brac. The Penny Saver in Hollister is as it was back then, narrow but deep, bric-a-brac filled isles with a staff that seemingly knew my name as I walked up.  It is a slice of Americana, a time capsule of the goodness that was, the type of place that gives a city character, filled with people who still care for their customers and the community.  It's the way small town businesses should be and one Hollister should cherish. The Penny Saver has been in existence for many years handed down from father to son.  It was forged with hard work and a "customer comes first attitude". Personally I think businesses in general need more of that attitude. Focusing on the customer promotes loyalty. Customer loyalty is a wonderful  achievement, it creates friendships, fosters word of mouth advertising, consistent sales, and stimulates the local economy.  There is and always has been more to a sale than just the exchange of money.  I think part of the economical downturn is a direct result of some of us forgetting about this fact.  Recovery starts in the community, born of relationships continued by trust, nurtured by the business owner knowing that without his loyal customer he is not likely to succeed in his business.  Yes there are other components to the economics of a healthy business but there are none as foundational as your customer nor better for the community you work in.