Locavores in the Crescent City, CA area are able to get some satisfaction buying from a big, old national chain.
According to Jon Parmentier, a store manager at a local Walgreens, corporate management has given him some dollars and the green light to pick up locally produced goods.
"There's been a lot of talk about buying local," Mr. Parmentier told The Triplicate. "Here at Walgreens, I've gone on a binge and bought a lot of local stuff."
Among the local items sold at the Crescent City Walgreens are postcards by Barbara Bono; Allen Justice Photography 5x7 notecards; Elk Prairie goat's milk soap; Organic Essence lip balm; Jed Smith Redwood Burl Company wood carvings; Two Sisters and Such jelly; Sacred Grounds Coffee and books from local authors.
The local goods have all been placed at the front of the store to make them easy to find and a different item is featured each week. Business for the locally produced items have been good, according to Mr. Parmentier. "I'm finding that much of it is appealing to both locals ... but also to tourists coming through," he said.
Discussion Questions: Would you recommend local sourcing for large chain retailers? Are store managers best suited to be the buyer of those goods?