Rucki’s General Store; Helping figure out who your client is
I drive between my home in CT and my other home on Cape Cod regularly; usually rushing to get to either place; because that is what we do as a society…..rush.
In Abington/Pomfret CT at the intersection of Rtes 97 & 44 is a run down looking building which houses Rucki’s General Store. For years I’ve been staring at this place as I whizzed by, telling myself that some day I’m going to stop in and see what’s inside. Curious I was. For years I drove by. After all what could that “dump” possibly have to offer.
This past Thursday on the drive back to CT I was doing a little soul searching; pondering who really is the client I want to work with; those I enjoy working with most; those who actually implement the ideas that come about as a result of hiring me to work with them. I was looking for some inspiration.
Yellow light ahead. My normal approach……speed up. Nah, let’s take a RECESS from trying to make the light; considering the law enforcement I noticed on the road this morning. I stopped at the light. There was Rucki’s. Thursday morning I finally stopped.
Rucki’s is one of those places where you can find anything you might need. I don’t know what that is; but I’m thinking if you woke up tomorrow and said you needed a hacksaw, a container of milk and a last minute gift you would find it.
And that’s exactly what I found inside; a hodgepodge of stuff. Some old. Some new. Some very new. Some things that looked like the board of health would have a field day. They don’t take checks at Rucki’s. They don’t take credit cards. CASH ONLY as the sign says on the door. The woman inside was exactly what I would expect from a Rucki’s employee or business owner; cheerful, welcoming and happy to see me walk through the doors.
So how do they stay in business?
- Is it locals wanting to support other locals?
- Is it the fact that they are the only thing for miles and miles?
- Is their customer service superior?
- Do they anticipate the needs of the community?
- Are the prices competitive with the big box stores miles away?
- Do they provide a type of nostalgic experience that people who choose to live in rural Eastern CT are hoping to keep alive?
I don’t know what the answer is. But I do know one thing…. I’ve been driving by this place for years; it’s still in business. I’ve watched other businesses in more thriving communities come and go. But out in Eastern CT is a little gem that reminded me one thing that I want to share with anyone who has a dream…………..
There’s a market for any business, product or idea no matter how high tech, low tech, nostalgic or futuristic you want to be. I know my market. Do you know yours?
