I am replying to the story that you ran on your website about boycotting the Wingham Esso stations. I was wondering if the person who wrote it realizes that these stations are told what to set their prices at from the big wigs in Sarnia.
I also think if you looked closely that the prices had already been raised long before the funeral. In the long run, even if they had of intentionally raised their prices I think they probably lost more money from the main street being shut down for that amount of time than they would have gained from this alleged price raise.
I would also like to express my disappointment of the website. I do not know if the owner of this site lives in Wingham or not, but would hope that he would be a little more supportive of local businesses. I live in Wingham and I own and operate Home Video and Variety. I also know that the owners of the Esso stations live in Wingham.
I bought my business about two years ago and it had been in Wingham for over 20 years. When I bought there was an understanding between myself, the Mini Mart and the previous owner of the Royal T to keep our cigarette prices and other articles the same. That way we each had our regular customers and everyone made a living, not a great living, but we get by.
Now the Royal T has sold to new owners and I am wondering if the people of Wingham realize what this guy is all about. He does not live in Wingham, probably has no intention of living in Wingham. He is under cutting everyones prices in hopes of gaining volume in his business. He does not care about this town. He is just here to try and get everyones customers and then he will raise his prices back up and he will be gone. I hope the people of Wingam will realize this and keep supporting the businesses that are already in town.
As far as the Wingham Free Press’s policy of not having paid advertising, I am wondering why you are plugging the Royal T so much. The headline on your website sure sounds like advertising for the Royal T. Maybe someones pockets are being greased.
Andy Jarvis