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Article: The Rome Store like a trip back in time: 'we're just a nice country store. We want people to feel welcome': local grocery celebrating its 90th year in business; owners strive to keep store's 'old-time feeling' alive.
- Article from:
- Bellingham Business Journal
- Article date:
- June 1, 2005
- Author:
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The Rome Store wasn't built in a day.
In fact, even as it celebrates its 90th year in business this year, the wood-framed convenience store and deli at 2908 Mt. Baker Highway is still abuzz with activity.
The work that store owner Bill Broy is doing, however, doesn't require saws, hammers or nails; his ongoing project is community building, and he approaches it by offering customers a nostalgic Whatcom County shopping experience, complete with old-fashioned manners.
"These old stores, there's not too many of 'em left," said Broy, 41, who's owned the store since 1993. "Most stores today are either 7-11 convenience stores or big groceries. This ...