![]() It should be the people with the “medical conditions” or those who will not wear a mask that should have to order ahead. I understand that people have their views and beliefs but I also want to feel safe when I shop.Even if I did curbside pickup those who are not taking precautions have been around the products and it is impossible to sanitize everything. My husband is a veteran and I work in the medical field. She was friendly and tried to be helpful by telling me about curbside pickup (like she did with the other woman) and I saw her repeatedly wiping things down but it did not make me feel better. I asked the employee about the store policy. ![]() Once in the checkout line the employee asked another shopper to wear a mask and even offered to give her one and the woman said she would not because she has “a medical condition and it’s a free country”. She never purchased anything and then sat in her car in front of the store for a few moments (manager maybe?). The woman proceeded to arrange things at the registers and announced she was going to the office. The employee asked her to wear a mask and the woman just said no. However, a woman pulled directly in front of the store and entered without a mask. ![]() The employees and almost all other shoppers wore masks as the CDC advises. We were hesitant when the company changed from Dave’s Pet City to Smithland Supply but we were reassured by many familiar employees that we would receive the same service we have grown to love.We’ve never had an issue that was not quickly rectified until this weekend. My husband owns his own business so we prefer to shop small. He said he’s looking forward to “playing with his grandchildren” during some of his free time.My family and I have shopped here for the past few years since moving to town. Ratner said, “It’s really cool when people think you’re good enough and have enough wisdom to speak into the lives of children.” He said one thing that also gives him “great pride” and that he can tell his children, “is how many schools and organizations invited me to speak to kids.” And while those employees have continued on to other things, “They’ve learned their work ethic, how to treat customers, and fellow employees.” He said he’s not sure how many people he’d given jobs to over the years. Ratner said over the 44-years he’s been in business he’s enjoyed giving many young people their very first job. ![]() In a press release, Smithland Supplies said they “will offer customers the same great products, brands and staff customers have come to expect from Dave’s Soda and Pet City brand.” Smithland Supplies also said it will “offer in-store activations and sponsored community events to help customers better understand the products, brands and industries served.” “They will be very good for our communities, our employees and of course, our pets.” “They have seven Agway stores in Connecticut, now they have my five stores, and they want to open more stores throughout New England,” he explained. Ratner explained the change in ownership in a video on Facebook, and said the new owners are not part of a national chain. He said all the employees who worked at the Dave’s Soda and Pet City locations continued on with the new owners. “It’s been six months they’re still doing the same things I did,” he noted. Ratner also said they will essentially operate the same as Dave’s Soda and Pet City has for years. The stores, he said, have already changed names to Smithland Supplies and will remain pet supply stores. “Many times a company sells and new owners say nothing’s going to change and two seconds later everything changes.” “I just wanted everyone to see that things are really the same,” he said. Ratner told Reminder Publishing he didn’t tell anyone about the change in ownership because he “didn’t want to scare the customers. Ratner also joked, “I needed a place to go every day so my wife doesn’t kill me.” He said it was all just “getting to be too much,” but still “wanted to stay active in the business.” So he kept the Agawam business, which is close to his house and where he owns the building. “A couple of the leases were up, and it’s time to start winding down.” “When I hit 65, several years ago, my kids moved away, they didn’t want the business,” he said. Ratner said he sold the businesses for several reasons. About six months ago, Ratner sold all locations except the Agawam one, which he described as his “forever home” in a video on Facebook. AGAWAM – The owner of Dave’s Soda and Pet City, a local pet supply chain, has sold five of his stores keeping only the Agawam location.ĭave Ratner previously owned the five stores, which were located in Ludlow, Hadley, Northampton, Ware, Agawam, and Stafford, CT.
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