In response to recent letters which voiced support for bringing new grocers to Ocala/Marion County, more local residents wrote in to share their thoughts on the topic.
“We are from Vermont and had a Costco there. We would love to have one here,” says Ocala resident Robert Owen.
“Please build a Costco in Ocala. We had one five miles from us in Pennsylvania. They hold the trophy. No others can even compare to Costco,” says Bette Haught, Ocala resident.
“There are similar wholesale clubs in the area. There is Sam’s Club in Ocala and now BJ’s near Lady Lake. Sam’s Club is very comparable to Costco in price,” says Ocala resident Stephanie Mouat.
“I spoke with Costco Corporate five years ago and asked when they’d be opening in Ocala. I was told, “Ocala isn’t interested in Costco. They’re happy with Sam’s Club. We’ve tried.” That was a very poor decision on the part of Ocala’s leaders. Trader Joe’s is a wonderful store. They have terrific products at good prices, as well as the ‘unusual’ items you won’t find anywhere else. Trader Joe’s hires excellent staff and they are always helpful. What else is different about Trader Joe’s? You walk in happy and you walk out happy. Ring that bell. Whole Foods has high-end, wonderful food with high-end prices, but excellent quality. Between Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, I’d take Trader Joe’s any day. All three of these stores have been my go-to stores for everything, until I bought a home in Ocala,” says Barbara Lorenzen, Ocala resident.