Why some people don't buy in Pahoa

[csgray]

I think there is a tendency for some people who work in the "natural foods" industry to become a little self important and judgmental about other people's food choices and lifestyles (especially youngsters who just discovered the vegetarian/organic lifestyle). One time we were in a vegetarian/organic restaurant and a waiter in his late teens or very early 20s lectured my husband on the correct pronunciation of the word "vegan". My husband was a vegan when this kid was still in diapers, but the waiter was convinced he was right and had to make sure everyone in earshot knew it.

I'm not about to quit shopping at Island Naturals, because there are certain items I can only get there, but it is certainly not always a pleasant shopping experience. The checkers are usually pleasant and competent, but the stockers and the natural beauty/vitamin pushers can be really rude at times. I really try to get in and out of there as fast as possible, and have just left on occasion when it was just too much hassle to be worth it.

I will say that Abundant Life has been GREAT about special ordering items for me, and I get a hefty discount since I order cases. The price becomes comparable to what I paid on the mainland. Island Naturals rebuffed me when I inquired about ordering through them, so they lose the additional sales from the other items I buy when I pick up my special order.

Carol