Bainbridge merchants what ARE you thinking? I am a 28-year resident of the island who fervently believes in shopping locally. Today I went into a local health food store for some vitamins. The clerk was talking to the only other customer in the store in hushed tones. I waited four minutes without so much as an acknowledgment of my presence.

I left and went elsewhere. I also needed a travel bag and went to a store selling travel items. At five minutes to 10 on Saturday morning, they were closed. I went elsewhere.

Recently, I had an appointment with a local hairstylist for a haircut. I arrived exactly on time and was told she was running 15 minutes late.

I returned, waited another 15 minutes with no acknowledgment of my presence, no apology and I left, getting my haircut off island

Before you put out the next plea for us to shop locally, perhaps a candid self-analysis of your service levels is in order. Or maybe I am clueless and business is booming on Bainbridge and you don’t need mine?

To be fair, there are many stores on the island who are outstanding. To the others, beware, I am sure I am not the only one who votes with their pocketbook!

Norm Ferguson

Bainbridge Island