I’ll show you mine if you show me yours

This post could be about so many different things.  Most of them probably x-rated or mildly illegal.  But it’s mostly not.

Keswick is growing.  Newer, bigger and better stores are opening in our midst and giving Keswickians new shopping options that were once reserved for those elite Newmarketeers or Aurorists.  While we still lack a 24 hour Sobeys or Shoppers, we do have a lot of options to get our shopping done.  Here are some of my favourite places to shop locally (although not necessarily locally owned or even Canadian owned – *eh hem* Wal-Mart *cough*)

1. Shoppers Drug Mart – Love, love, love the Optimum points program.  Our local SDM is one of the newly renovated ones.  It’s big, clean and bright.  They usually have what I want in stock and the staff is always helpful and friendly.  AND I’ve never once been escorted out of the store. And I appreciate that.  It means a lot to this twisted, slightly demented soul that SDM accepts me (or my money, whatever, let they me shop there!).

2. The Queensway Market – small, family owned and operated with some of the best available in-store baking in town.  The rolls are so soft and melt-in-your-mouth that even though you know you should only have one, you don’t.  You have two, or three.  And then your tummy hurts.  And they you’re sad.  But then it passes and you eat another roll and you’re happy again.  It’s a vicious cycle, I tell you.   It is not the frugal option, the prices are on the high side for groceries, I couldn’t shop there every week and I couldn’t do my whole shop there, but it is a great option when you just need one or two things.  Especially on the statutory holidays – because they are almost always open for at least a couple of hours on those days.  No more forgotten ingredient crisis on Thanksgiving day – yay!

3. Liquidation World (Now BigLots Canada) – This is one of those stores that can score you a major money-saving coop or be a gigantic bust (but they won’t help you get a giant bust.  I asked.  They looked at me like I was about to be escorted from the store.  Grumpy!).  They can have some pretty good grocery deals, but watch the expiration dates (if you believe in such things).  They are also a good option for safety equipment like bike helmets for kids etc.  Once in a while you may find some clothing you like, or a good deal on brand name granny panties (and come on now, we all own at least a few pair of granny panties.  Why do you think that granny’s are always so happy?  They are not being assaulted by their panties.  Nice and comfy = smiles)

4. Home Hardware – Free popcorn for all.  ‘Nuff said.  And their staff has almost always been knowledgable and helpful when we have asked.  And if they do not have an item in the store, they can order it for you quick-smart. And they never yell at you for taking seconds of popcorn or when you accidentally spill some on the floor while perusing the fasteners section.  Or so I’ve been told. HH,  I never spill my popcorn.  I am careful.  I am a good customer.  Please don’t ban me 🙁

Now, I could be wrong (No, I know!  But it does happen – apparently) but I think that there is now a bong store in town.  I always have kids with me so I have not yet investigated this claim (bong-related questions that I am just not prepared to answer right now.  Maybe when they are all forty 😉 ).  I’ll be sure to report back if/when I do have the chance to check it out.  Since I have no use for a bong, I will not actually be shopping there, but I appreciate fine glassware, especially if it’s purty.  Or pink.  Just saying.  And anyway, adding anything bong-related to the hot-mess that I call my mind would most definitely lead to badness.  So I am more than content to just window shop this one. *grin*

I do wish we had a really good (or even a kind of good) health food store.  And a bookstore (but I don’t really buy books anymore, so please don’t open one here thinking that I’ll spend enough to keep you in business.  I just really like bookstores).  So, I showed you my list, now show me yours 🙂  What stores do you like best in Keswick or your town?  What stores do you wish would open up or go away?  Do you see a gap in product or service availability that you would like see filled?  What do we need in Keswick (remember, we already allegedly have a bong store)?  Or if you’re not in Keswick, what do you need in your town?