A couple of weeks ago I renewed my subscription to this fine newspaper. (Now, folks, this is a guaranteed way to insure publication of your letter).

I do this in person at The Times for one specific reason -- to say hi to an old friend, Alan Cruikshank.

I specifically wanted to discuss his column from two weeks earlier regarding the closing of the Ross

store in Target Plaza.

I’ve been a resident since 1989 and Alan preceded me here, but we both remember when Sprouse-Reitz went out of business in the early ‘90s. It was a department store that was located in the space Paul’s Ace Hardware now occupies. The infamous line used by many after the store shut down was, “Jeez, a guy can’t even buy a pair of socks in this town!”

I say all this because being here for 25-plus years, I’ve seen businesses come and go with disturbing frequency. Recently, my wife and I decided to renovate, remodel and refurbish our condo. We chose to keep our business in town.

Working with Hud’s Custom Design Floors was a pleasure. They managed our tiling and carpet requirements plus the kitchen counter tops. They turned what I anticipated to be complete destruction and upheaval into a relatively stress-free experience.

We also had similar success dealing with Tim at Sears Hometown Store

(aptly named!) for our kitchen appliances. He was determined to furnish us with every discount and financial benefit he possibly could. We reside on the second floor with a narrow staircase, and lifting our new side-by-side was quite a challenge. Someone from out-of-town may have deemed the task “undeliverable” and taken the monstrosity back.

I don’t want us to reach the point where I hear complaints regarding the absence of flooring and appliance providers and installers in this town. Much less, the scarcity of men’s socks! Let’s support our local businesses!