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Think globally, trade locally
My grandmother didn’t use the words “shopping” or “buying,” she would call it “trading.”
For instance, she would not say she “shopped” at City Market, she would say she “traded” with City Market. I always loved the reciprocity that term implied: You give something, you get something.
It’s more than money changing hands: It’s a relationship.
I was thinking about that Saturday, when a bike ride to Palisade for breakfast with a friend at the Palisade Cafe (excellent date-and-almond granola by Mary Lincoln), turned into a more extended “trading” session.
The Blue Pig Gallery on Main Street provided a clever bike rack that looks like a giant potato masher. After using their utilitarian sculpture, the least I could do was walk in.
That led to my purchase of an assemblage by artist John R. Anglim. I like all things printing press-related and was drawn to one piece that featured old printing blocks.
I also got some information for children’s summer art classes and signed up to get notices of adult classes next winter when I might be able to squeeze one more hobby into my life. The woman who helped me was an artist herself and told me about plans the gallery had for additional classes, and the challenges of getting patrons to drive to Palisade. (It’s only 15 to 20 minutes, really.)
From there I pedaled over to Rapid Creek Cycles & Sports. I’m getting a lot of daytime use out of my old beach cruiser, but I want the option of riding at night. Sticking close to friends with head lamps doesn’t seem like a good long-term solution.
The owners ordered a head and tail lamp with a generator that runs off the rotation of the tire. I like simple, self-contained systems. Plus I hate buying batteries, so that was a good solution for me. We also talked about the proliferation of bike-riding in the community, so I also got some good coverage ideas.
I was in Palisade that day, but I “trade” in Grand Junction frequently, and I’ll be “trading” for lunch in Fruita later this week. I frequent the businesses that I want to thrive. That’s the power we all have as consumers.
Loyalty, relationships and accountability are all part of the exchange when you think about “trading,” vs. “buying.”
Grandma was right. She traded in wisdom.
Comments
By Lynn
June 30, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Hey - that is a great way to start talking about it - again! Really, maybe we would all give and receive better customer service that way. It places a higher and more respectful value on things.
I love the pedal powered bike lamp. A great use of “technology” and reminds me of the Fred Flintstone car!
By Nancy McCarroll
July 7, 2008 6:22 AM | Link to this
I like your writing. Good point on trading … my grandmother used that term often (when groceries were delivered to her house by the local store). Etsy.com is a fun place to buy handmade items, if you have not checked it out before.
By Laurena
July 14, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
I have checked out Etsy.com. I agree it’s a great resource for handmade items. Thanks for the reminder!