Country stores at risk

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PERU, Vt. - From his spot behind the cash register, David Pinder lets his eyes sweep across his country store: to the wines, barbecue supplies, bread, milk, soft drinks, sandwiches, and freshly brewed coffee. A table and two chairs occupy center stage for the regulars who enjoy going a few rounds on any hot topic: property taxes, development, the gubernatorial election.

This is what makes the Bromley Market a typical Vermont country store. It doesn't generate the revenue of a 7-Eleven or Jiffy Mart, but it's a place where folks feel comfortable discussing the social or political issues of the day.

"Can you hang out and talk at the 7-Eleven?" Mr. Pinder asked. "No, because you'll get charged with loitering."

The distinction is a big one for Mr. Pinder and other store owners who don't want to see their traditional businesses big-footed by convenience stores. But there may be nothing they can do to stop the advancing tide.

"We're an endangered species, I'd have to say. And I think one of our biggest threats comes from these chain minimarts," said John Rehlen, owner of a Castleton store and a member of the Vermont Alliance of Independent Country Stores, which raises money to keep country stores open.

Several Vermont communities have seen their country stores go out of business over the last 10 or 15 years: Shrewsbury, Tunbridge, Wallingford, Middletown Springs and Ferrisburgh are but a few. The stores either closed down or shut down temporarily only to reopen as something else -- a gift shop, maybe, or a pizzeria. One is now a car dealership.

Bromley Market is in many ways typical of the institutions the alliance is trying to save. Although not located in a majestic old building with tall ceilings and creaking wooden floors -- it started out as a roadside shack in the 1930s -- the store represents what customers want: a place to drink their coffee, read the paper and hold forth on any topic.

Country stores in North Carolina are facing issues similar to those in Vermont, said Gail Booker, who owns Patterson's Mill Country Store in Chapel Hill. Her store, which sells only antiques, memorabilia and prepared food such as jam and candy, cannot compare to the all-purpose country stores in Vermont, and she can't think of many in her state that can.

"In the mountains of North Carolina, you probably can still find a country store that has the gas and the food," said Miss Booker. "I know you could 10 years ago. I'm not so sure about now. In the areas that I go to, the convenience chains have probably put them out of business."

Sula Country Store, which Marge Kingsbury operates with her sister and the best thing going in Sula, Mont., has defied the odds and hung in there for 70 years. The store sells groceries, gas and souvenirs and is about 50 miles south of Missoula, the largest city in the area, with fewer than 60,000 residents.