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There Is More to Life than Home Depot

Letters from the issue of Thursday, April 7, 2005

There Is More to Life

than Home Depot

As I pleasantly discovered when I began my boycott: Reading The Bitch's column about Home Depot and Seth Gordon's resignation as president of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce ("Grovers Are Gloating," March 3) reminded me that once upon a time I mindlessly shopped Home Depot. Why? Because I thought they had everything under one roof. Sure, I frequented Shell Lumber and appreciated their ever-helpful staff. However, that big orange icon drew me in. It wasn't until Home Depot set its sights on Coconut Grove that I began to question things. Do I really need a fourth Home Depot within twenty minutes of home?

I started by requesting information in query letters to several of their corporate officers. To my surprise I got no response, not even a form letter of minimal substance. It was just like writing letters to Miami Commissioner Johnny Winton. Gee whiz, even President Bush's office answers with meaningless letters and a fancy seal. Home Depot didn't even reply when I threatened a boycott that included a kitchen renovation of approximately $20,000.

My boycott has been a fun learning experience. For instance, I just rediscovered Poe's Rentals on South Dixie Highway, which reminded me of the old My-am-uh of my youth -- you know, before the architecture of the Magic City became shimmering smoke and obscure mirrors. And I learned that Sunny South Paints actually gets the colors true the first time around.

Are you feeling powerless with regard to Home Depot's designs on the Grove Gate Shopping Center? If so, I urge you to put your consumer buying power to work and join in the boycott. Support your local small businesses. You certainly won't miss the frenzied Home Depot parking lots and the anonymous staff hiding in their beeping forklifts. You'll be amazed at all the little treasures still in our midst.

John Barimo

Coconut Grove

http://www.miaminewtimes.com/issues/2005-04-07/news/letters.html