My better half and I went to the city Saturday for a day away from the telephone and the office.

What we didn’t plan on was a day of frustration. Window shopping for items that cannot be purchased locally, we found sales personnel rude and hostile.

We know times are tough and when some of these businesses get a “live one” they probably are instructed to hook it and reel it in. Since when is a customer required to purchase something before leaving the business? As far as I know, looking still is free.

Thank goodness we have local businesses that strive for good customer service.

This is the biggest difference between us and them — the personal touch. Our smaller communities may not have every kind of store that a larger city can offer but being courteous and considerate certainly goes a long way.

Keep up the good service.

— susan berg