Spread the $$$ around (10/26/06)

Competition is a great thing for consumers.

But smart consumers know that competition can disappear if the shopping dollars aren't spread around.

For years, Portland residents complained about having a single supermarket in the county seat. After a store closing in Dunkirk, that community found itself even more inconvenienced.

But today, Jay County finds itself in an enviable position.

The question is, can we keep this situation in which we now find ourselves? Or will it vanish?

Last week's announcement that the new owners and management team at Marsh had decided to close 16 stores should have sent a chill down the spines of Jay County shoppers.

The Winchester Marsh store was among the casualties. And with the closing of Aldi's and Milner's grocery in Ridgeville, a huge chunk of Randolph County now finds itself with a single market.

Meanwhile, Jay County shoppers have not only the Wal-Mart Supercenter but a competitive LoBill Supermarket in Portland and Fisher Packing Co. for meat and specialty items. In addition, there are viable grocery stores in Redkey, Pennville, Fort Recovery, Geneva, and Berne.

Each of them fills a niche in the market, and each of them deserves a share of the shopper's dollar.

Enjoy the competition for your business, but keep in mind that without your support the landscape could change. It certainly changed in Randolph County last week.

Shopping smart means spreading your food dollar around. That's the best way to assure that the current competitive climate will continue. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]