More than four out of five people who responded to our online poll Jan. 7, 2009 say they make a conscious effort to shop at local stores.

More than three-fourths said they try to first shop at locally owned stores before others. More than two-thirds said they are shopping less frequently because of the economy.

Here are some of the comments by those who responded to the survey, many of whom said there are not enough shopping choices in Petaluma:

” “

“My favorite Petaluma store is Home Depot Yardbirds. We also like Kmart since they remodeled. The shops on Kentucky Street are great.”

” “

“I love small and local businesses. However, I do think those clothes boutiques downtown are very pricey, and I prefer to shop at Kohls, or other shopping areas.”

” “

“There are a few stores that are outside of Petaluma that I shop at once a month. However, at Christmas, I did quite a bit of shopping on the Internet; mainly for items I could not find in Petaluma.”

” “

“I tried to do Christmas shopping in Petaluma, but with the lack of different kinds of stores here, I did most of my shopping in Santa Rosa. More tax dollars leaving the city, but all Petaluma does is deter businesses from coming here.”

” “

“I try to shop locally to help the vendors in our community. Unfortunately, we have to travel to get the electronic, sewing and fabric items we need. There does not seem to be an incentive for vendors to open stores or relocate to Petaluma. We see newly opened stores that have already closed. There is a lot of open retail space in Petaluma. It’s too bad that the ‘community leaders’ don’t recognize the need to fill those empty spaces with ‘wares’ that the community needs.”

” “

“I always make the effort to shop local and spend a good deal of time telling others to try it too. The benefits are endless!”

” “

“I feel it is important to support our local businesses/community at this time.”

” “

“Shopping locally is not only convenient, it’s fun. I enjoy getting to know the local business owners. There’s a feeling of community when you can walk into a store and say ‘hi’ and chat with the owner and/or employees. The benefit goes beyond keeping your shopping dollars in Petaluma ” you get better service when you have a relationship with the business people.”

” “

“If Petaluma had the kinds of stores that most people shop at, then I would be able to say I shop locally. But since they don’t, then I cannot say that.”

” “

“‘Shop local’ seems to be the mantra of late. You hear it in radio ads all over the Bay Area. Personally, I’ve tried to shop local ever since I got here 14 years ago, even if it meant paying a couple extra bucks for an item.”

” “

“It makes no difference, in terms of local sales tax revenues, whether the store is locally owned or not. Petaluma needs more retail stores, generally speaking, so people don’t have to leave town so often to shop.”

” “

“I shopped at whichever store had the best prices ” Wal-Mart.”

” “

“I tried to shop here in Petaluma and would love to do all my shopping here. However, there isn’t much shopping here. I end up driving to Target at least twice a week and to the mall in Santa Rosa about twice a month. We need more shopping here!”

” “

“I’ve been cutting corners for seven years now. That’s how long my recession has lasted. The cutbacks that many are now implementing are old news to me.”

” “

“I think we should run a ‘shop local’ campaign where local Petalumans could receive a 5 percent discount. This could help persuade people to try a local provider before driving to a big box store out of town or buying items online. Some other communities even have their own currency: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BerkShares.”

” “

“I prefer a downtown with interesting shops owned by my neighbors to homogenized box stores. I would rather support my local merchants and have a few less dollars. For me, quality of life is far more important.”

” “

“I shop where I get the best value for the dollar!”

” “

“Petaluma is still lacking in items for sale such as lumber, fabric, men’s clothing, electronics and a Target! Maybe our new Council will surprise us and approve the project. I received Target gift cards and had to leave town to use them.”

” “

“Yes, most Petalumans try to shop locally. Are we ever going to know about the new Target/Circuit City mall? Is anything being done so that there is a representative sampling of stores, locally, to insure people stay in town? Is there any plan in place to keep the public aware of the myriad designs that never seem to happen?”

” “

“I would do more than grocery shop in this town, but there is nothing here. Two Longs (too expensive) and a Kmart. When I need or want something new to wear, what do I got? Kohls and little high-end stores that cater to the younger crowd and are too expensive. What I will do, though, is shop for USA-made things. If I can’t find what I’m looking for made in the U.S. and it’s something I don’t really need, I keep my money. Stop buying things made elsewhere! It’s the only way we will survive this depression and climb out. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it. If one is made in China and one made in the U.S., it may be more expensive, but you are letting someone keep their job. Think about it. Your job may be next!”

” “

“I feel that Petaluma shop owners support police brutality and I will not shop there.”

” “

“Please add a ‘Sometimes’ to your survey and let us poll takers see the results. Thank you.”

” “

“Shops better start giving locals deals or they will not keep up.”