Support Camden businesses and amenities —products and services abound so check them out!
Over the past month, residents and businesses responded to the July Camden News article on supporting Camden’s businesses and amenities with their own experiences (and suggestions!) of why this makes good sense. Folks also recommended other businesses, shared a story of the special community contribution a vendor made, or gave a personal economic lesson in the benefits of buying local.
The current cost of gasoline is a huge factor for folks. At $3+/gallon, it’s having an effect on family budgets, decisions on whether to take a driving vacation, how to effectively run errands, how much to spend on entertainment, etc. There’s lots of free/low cost entertainment right here in Camden (see calendar on page 10), and great businesses abound. Let’s say you have a 50-cent coupon off a product, is it something you can pick up locally? That 50-cent coupon savings is nullified in time and gas money driving to the burbs. Have a prescription to fill? Those big-box suburban chains locate their pharmacies in the back of the store for a reason - you drop a prescription off and are told it will take up to an hour to fill. So what do you do in the meantime? Impulse shop, and buy stuff you don’t want or need. At Carlson-Camden Drug you can see the pharmacy counter as you enter the front door, and get quick personal service.
Our neighborhood organizations, art community, park centers and other nonfrofit organizations look to Camden businesses to participate in and sponsor community events (planning, providing products or donating money). While it’s good business for them to do so, they don’t have deep pockets. They rely on local residents to support their businesses so they can also help with local organization events. They can’t survive without customers. If they close, what will replace them? Without a thriving business community, other amenities suffer as well making the community less attractive to potential new businesses and residents. Even the Camden News - delivered free to your door every month – could not survive without the ad revenue generated from local businesses (the Camden News does receive donations, but that only covers the expenses for one issue a year). We all need each other to build and keep our community strong. Meet some more of your business neighbors:
Rock Solid Computers (52nd and Bryant, 612-529-2797). Owner Gigi Potter provides a range of services for PCs from virus scans to building a computer to specification. She will dispose of old computers (both PCs and MACs) and also refurbish some for resale at $100. Recognizing a need in the community for those who do not have a computer, Gigi also provides assistance in resume writing and online job searches for free. Kids are also provided computer access and she plans to acquire additional educational software as an alternative to games.
Mighty Stitch (44th and Penn, 612-529-8744) is celebrating its 5th anniversary in the community. Owner Vivienne Williamson is the creative genius behind the Mrs. Claus costume for Holiday on 44th. In addition to providing tailoring and sending out cleaning for clients, Vivienne does custom work, embroidery and creates personal gift baskets for any occasion starting from $5. If you have an idea, she’ll help make it a creation not soon forgotten!
Feeling a bit nostalgic? Visit Packrats Paradise (38th & Thomas, 612-521-7225) owned by Patty Schoen and Denise Shea-Wax. Offering upscale second-hand and collectible merchandise, you’re certain to conjure up memories of the past while looking for vintage jewelry, toys and even some furniture. Patty and Denise take pride in keeping their unique business in the community and are the founders of the Peace campaign (you’ve probably noticed the green lawn signs throughout the neighborhoods).
Doc’s Gym (42nd and Lyndale, 612-521-5836) is not your run-of-the-mill training facility. Offering judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and specific injury rehab, Doctor Olson has an experienced staff of trainers and chiropractors on hand ready to assist. Doc claims most people have no idea how good this gym is - with pricing that is often half as much as other similar facilities. Keeping the community in mind, Doc is interested in working with North and Henry High School wrestling teams. Call for information or stop by for a tour!
Is your body feeling tense? Consider Doorway Massage (44th and Penn, 612-619-0881) owned by David Wicklund, a certified, neuro-muscular massage therapist. If you’ve taken advantage of the samples he’s offered at community events, imagine how relaxed you’ll feel after an hour ($60 + tax) or even half that ($35) of specialized treatment. David listens to his clients to provide quality hands-on massage in a professional, safe, and comfortable office environment. Aromatherapy lotions made of 100-percent essential oils are also available for purchase.
If you’re interested in body art, check out AA Tattoos (Lowry & Emerson, 612-529-2820). AA (Always Affordable) is owned by Mark Simmonds, aka “Magic Marker” who prides himself on being people-oriented and providing a comfortable atmosphere. He’s serious when he says it’s “about the art;” and he’d rather someone leave and think about what they want before having the work done. His pricing is more than fair and there’s no additional cost for tattoo placement on specific body parts like some shops charge. The lower back is the most popular tattoo spot for women, for men it’s the arm. Body piercings are also available. Services provided to those 18 or over.
North Star Floral Design (Lowry and Logan, 612-529-4217) Flowers and arrangements for every occasion created to specification. Or if you prefer something a bit more permanent, they have houseplants as well.
Need groceries? There are a variety of Asian groceries if you want to try out that new recipe on your family or friends. Many have an eclectic mix of goods – fresh veggies and meat, 50-pound bags of rice, pots and pans, utensils, notions, music and more! There’s Northside Oriental Grocery (Lowry and Penn, 612-522-3684), Lowry & Penn Deli Market (Lowry and Penn, 612-588-9591), Good Deal Oriental Foods ( Lowry and James, 612-521-5663), and Get Happy Oriental Food (Lowry & Humboldt, 612-529-8578). There’s also the So Low Grocery Outlet (Lowry & Emerson, 612-302-8855) with a full range of groceries, or the Guy Am Grocery (45th and Lyndale, 612-522-9222) offering West Indian products for a different flavor to spice up your life.
The over-riding theme with all the businesses is pride – whether it’s in the services or products they offer, being a community member, or simply about what makes them unique. They strive for customer satisfaction so check them out! So often we hear Camden advertised as “the best kept secret.” Maybe we need to re-think that. They like referrals…and encourage them. Spread the word!
Editor’s note:
More Camden amenities coming in future issues.