stephbg | The local shops

Inspired by a thread on a recent post where people were discussing the convenience or lack thereof of their local shops, I thought I'd write about mine.

Local shops are an important part of the memories of the places you lived. Fortunately in this case I've lived in very few places, so can work my way down the list without much trouble.

Do you care about yours?

1. Wembley Downs (no, not Wembley)
Down the hill, over the main road and around the cresents lay a small suburban shopping centre, the first of my childhood. 'Twas there I trekked for 20 cents worth of 1 cent lollies. It was built inside the local quarry, which made for interesting parking, although most of my visits were on foot. I saw it morph and change many many times over the decades. The deli started life as a darkened hole with wooden floors that creaked impressively. The fish and chip shop turned into a video library once. Neat trick.

2. Nedlands
While living in a flat near UWA we lacked not for fast food supplies and late night chocolate, but a decent supermarket was not to be had in the vicinity. I like space and light in my supermarkets, and their carparks. If I have to wrestle my trolley over kerbs or ramps in the face of oncoming traffic or angry crowds week after week I will not be a happy camper.

Having a good second-hand bookshop within walking distance from my home was a bit tricky.

3. Joondanna1
A short walk from our first (rental) house, Mr Creepy ran the local deli. Mr Creepy would caress one's palm with his fingertips when delivering change. Mr Creepy made personal comments about one's purchases. Mr Creepy was to be avoided at all costs.

4. Joondanna2
No amusing anecdotes spring to mind. No Mr Creepy, that was good.

Actually, I can't even remember where we went for after-hours or walking distance bits and pieces. Odd.

5. Midvale
It took a few attempts to find a supermarket-sized shopping centre for bulk shopping in the Midvale area. On the surface there wasn't a great deal of difference between the winner and the losers, but it's a gut feeling. Probably closely related to the lighting in the carpark. Or the quality of the grafitti.

One of the best things about living in Midvale only a block back from Great Eastern Highway was the walking distance to Bunnings, Fabric Warehouse, the garden pots place, the retic shop, and our own personal pet shop. The bad news was the local deli - it was a heavily fortified hole to be reached only by walking past a scary stretch of houses and the local gangs, and dodging the broken glass on the building sites. It was not a walk I would make alone.

6. Greenwood
Once I knew where I was going to live in Greenwood I said "hello" to the local shops. It was a big moment, and one of the reasons I'd moved. The little centre is a good 8 minutes walk away, and slightly more home, being uphill on the return. It's a lovely walk though, and we've done it many times together, particularly on a Sunday morning to get the paper, bread rolls and iced coffee. It also sells pickled octopus, which is nice. It's quite clear that I am recognised there. The attached video shop is a determinedly mainstream, but good enough for our blockbuster moments.

Perhaps stragely I have not crossed the threshold of the nearest chemist. I don't like the vibe.