Elderly Shopping
'Dear Manager,
Have' you been watching the senior citizens' buying habits in super-
markets and stores in the past year? If so, you will notice that. many
cannot afford basic necessities, let alone a "treat" once in awhile.
The press indicates that this will be the hardest winter yet for them.
And it stands to reason as Medicare, fuel, food, clothing and every
necessity has skyrocketed in price.
In addition to the poor, medium income and elderly the high-income
families (including doctors) are now regular customers of discount food
and clothing stores. One can see them every day even at garage sales
and the Salvation Army.
Our family is young, I spend $80 a month for groceries, which is
really a challange; however, we're youn~ and can find extra work- -
the elderly ~an pot.
As a concerned citizen of Salina I would like you to consider
deeply and perhaps take action on my suggestion. Why not give a 10%
discount to all persons 65 years of age and older? Salina already has
the 30~ taxi fare for the elderly - and both Country Kitchens and Sambos
give a 10% discount to the elderly.
I realize this would take a great deal of consideration and figuring
on your part, but why not try it for a month and see the results.
Instead of spending the money to have cards made for these people - they
could present their medicare card upon purchase for identification.
This 10% discount could be in effect all week days - or you could run it
one day a week.
Your benefits from this would be: more customers; happier and more
regular customers; more sales; increase in business in the Salina area--~-
more write-offs as tax deduction because of advertising AND the
satisfaction of knowing that you are helping our senior citizens live
~through our inflation.
When Master Charge and Bank Americard began, our prices went up 10%.
Not everyone uses these cards, however, we all pay the increase. It
would seem that with this 10% increase, the difference between wholesale/
retail prices and our bank interest height that a 10% reduction to the
elderly would indeed he possible. As population figures show - there is
far less population in the 65 and older age bracket.
Please take careful consideration on the idea I've presented you.
Take this idea and turn it inside out to see if theres any way you can
help the elderly. We patrons enjoy your "door-buster,, specials -but
many of these older people are in no condition to brave the weather or
be trampled hy a rude crowd.
Thank you for your time and I would appreciate hearing from you on
this matter.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Jay (Mary) Eikleberry
935 ~indsor Drive
Salina, KS.