A trip to Orlando’s
April 30, 2009
St. Peters, MO
by Kris Kolk
You wouldn’t think a trip to the produce stand would be such a big deal; but it totally made an impression on me the other day.
Driving to Spencer Road Library, on a whim, I stopped at Orlando’s Produce in St. Peters. Our family has recently fallen in love with Cajun peanuts (in the shells) which we purchased there a few weeks ago. Remembering this, I swung in to replenish our supply.
I went grocery shopping Saturday, but the chain store I visited didn’t have any green grapes (purple only). They also didn’t have watermelon. I found both of these at Orlando’s and was thrilled.
As I waited in line, an employee took the watermelon from me (it wasn’t huge) and set it on the counter. I noticed he “thumped” my selection. After I paid, the cashier also “thumped” my watermelon before handing it off to another worker, who carried it to my car. I told him I could carry it myself, but he insisted—kind of like a helpful nephew or neighbor. (Apparently, my watermelon passed the “thump” test.)
I’m ashamed to admit; lately I’ve been shopping at a big box everything-store. Shopping at that behemoth offers little more than an impersonal vending experience. After such personal attention at Orlando’s, I am no longer content to be one of the masses, a mere sales demographic.
Orlando’s people actually spoke to me, assisted cheerfully and offered great prices to boot. It also feels great to support a local business.
Yes, I will now shop there for my produce—and spicy nuts.
Orlando’s is located at 7875 Mexico Road in St. Peters.
Note: This is not a paid endorsement, and I am not personally acquainted with anyone at Orlando’s.
Copyright 2009 Neighbors About Town
