“The law is an ass,” was Mr. Bumble’s pronouncement in “Oliver Twist.”
150 years later, this still holds true as Nassau County’s Department of Consumer Affairs stigmatizes the Raindew store in Manhasset.
“Price gouging,” they claim. Price gouging?
To charge $3.99 for hand sanitizer for which they paid $2.50? $5.99 for Lysol wipes, when they paid $4.13? This isn’t gouging; this is called a reasonable markup.
Don’t forget the high rents, taxes, energy bills and payroll paid by the owners. What professor taught economics to these bureaucrats who determined that these transactions constituted gouging? Certainly, no one who has ever tried to run a business!
Even before coronavirus shuttered the doors of many retail establishments, Main Street USA was on life support. The internet was partly responsible (just try getting hand sanitizer or Lysol wipes at any price online) as well as the big box stores like Costco.
These retailers sell at prices far below what a small business like Rainbow’s would first have to pay since they can buy in bulk.
And when was the last time Amazon filled your party balloons with helium? Which of their “fulfillment centers” in Nebraska would hire your 18-year-old after school to earn money for college?
Which internet vender can explain how to assemble a barbecue? Which one will buy raffles for charities, pay for ads in bulletins or donate merchandise for Gala door prizes? Only our local vendors.
When I moved here years ago, we had three variety stores: one in the Miracle Mile, another on Plandome Road, a third in Port Washington.
Now there is just one, and who knows how it will fare post-corona. Instead of helping the store to stay afloat, our local government officials are trying to run it out of town.
I have never met the Bordemans, but I wish them luck. I’d also like to thank them for stocking orange juice machines when Macy’s had none. This store is deserving of our patronage as well as an apology from Nassau County’s Department of Consumer Affairs.
Judith Sloan
Sands Point
