Corner Store: The Public’s Feedback

By Ruth Melville

Norfolk residents are known for their willingness to come to the aid of someone in trouble, and they were quick to respond to owner Fadhl Saleh’s request in last month’s Norfolk Now for suggestions on how to improve business at the Corner Store.

Most of the responses touched on the interior appearance of the store, the exterior and the quality of the merchandise.  One repeated suggestion was that the interior should “look attractive, inviting.”

There seems to be a widespread feeling that the town would benefit from the store becoming a local gathering place. A popular idea was that the owner could put in some tables and chairs and “set up a cozy corner to sit and share a coffee and sandwich.” With Wi-Fi access, they could also check their e-mail. One respondent offered practical suggestions like replacing the old carpet with “dark color moppable tile, inexpensive, stick-on items available at Home Depot.”

Several also urged that the exterior of the store be improved. “The importance of a welcoming exterior cannot be overstated” was one comment. Another suggested putting in “planters and seating more in line with small-town living,” an idea that was echoed by others. It was also felt that clearing out and washing the two large windows and the glass front door would also help brighten the look of the store.

Many of the suggestions focused on food items. The list of desirables was lengthy and included “carrying and advertising local products, organic products, fair trade, eco-friendly produce, chili in the winter,” “local-farm free-range eggs,” Berkshire Bakery bread, and locally grown vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Other food suggestions were “fresher milk and dairy items,” and deli offerings such as soup or a sandwich of the day, or perhaps even “a special meal once in a while.”

Beyond offering advice, two Norfolk residents volunteered to help with the improvements. A local gardener has offered to “set up a display on Friday afternoons in time for the weekenders,” as well as helping with some planters outside the store. Another resident, who has over 12 years of experience in the grocery business, has already spoken to Saleh, and is planning on sitting down with him soon to share some of her thoughts on improving the store.

 Many of the surveys ended with expressions of good will and good luck. The remarks showed a genuine appreciation of the difficulty of running a small business in a very small town. “Keep doing the great job you do–it’s great to keep the store going and being so welcoming.”

It is not too late to offer your own ideas. The suggestion box is still open. Clearly, the town wants to see the Corner Store grow into a vital center. As one respondent put it, “Thank you for providing this community with a store.”