I read, with disdain, the negative review recently posted by ?St Aug local? in regards to the J.R. Benet Store in downtown St. Augustine. I would like to preface my statement with a few facts. My husband, 3 children & I have lived in this lovely town of St. Augustine over 24 years, frequent the downtown area, & have walked & shopped the downtown streets & shops for well over two decades. Over these many years, we have seen various businesses on historic St. George Street come & go, just like anywhere else on the map. St. Augustine is a small town, &, like us, local residents who are involved in community events, downtown improvement issues, etc., have come to know, appreciate & support those business owners whose establishments have weathered & stood the tests of time. J.R. Benet store is an example of that type of business. Most St. Augustine locals know that the J.R. Benet Store - - an icon, here in the oldest city - - has prospered for over 30 years - - longer than any other business; so something has been done right! My family, as well as much of the St. Augustine community have come to know the Penningtons as exemplary & successful shop owners in the downtown area, offering unique & reasonably-priced gifts that one cannot find in your average touristy gift shop. Through the years, it has been our experience they strive to ?serve the customer? with friendliness & respect. Because of my involvement with civic affairs in town, I happen to know the Penningtons have graciously given numerous tangible & monetary donations to many local charitable organizations, are long-time active Chamber members, & are involved in other community organizations as well.
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