Three Ojai Franchises Disappear
Let's support local business in Ojai.
For various reasons, three franchises have left Ojai in the last six months. Radio Shack. Best Western. Union 76.
Casa Ojai Inn, as it is now known, is franchise free. According to Geoff Wells, "“After 28 years as a member of Best Western, we have decided to embrace Ojai’s desire for a franchise-free, small town atmosphere by separating ourselves from the Best Western label." Learn more. Right now they are offering discounts to celebrate the change. You can also follow them on Twitter.
I spoke to a young man at the Union 76 station on Maricopa and the reason for the change was they were having difficulty getting gas delivered from 76 and his contract allowed him to go independent without the franchise. At this time, they continue to get gas from 76 but the station is no longer branded.
What's important to remember is that all three businesses remain in tact without the franchise support. That leaves it up to us.
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Comments (5)
This is all great news and I have already stepped up my support of two of the three businesses. I usually go to Fry's or online for all of my electronic/computer needs. I am now trying to buy from the non-Radio Shack, even if that means I have to wait for them to order something(wireless repeater) and pay slightly more. Also, the former Union 76 station is the ONLY place to get gas now in Ojai. Chevron is not only a franchise, but it is the most expensive. Union 76 used to be the most expensive gas in Ojai but now the new not 76 is the cheapest gas in the whole valley. They even beat Circle K in Mira Monte.
As for the former Best Western, I live here in Ojai so I don't really have the need, but I will refer all of my friends who come to Ojai and need a hotel/motel.
Comment #1 Posted by: SPK | December 2, 2009 11:40 AM
The other day Chevron was THIRTY CENTS more per gallon!
Comment #2 Posted by: LS | December 2, 2009 02:54 PM
Over the years I have seen "Shop Local" campaigns come and go--but we have to keep trying! I would like to see a story/survey about how much local income is lost to ever increasing on-line shopping. This has got to be hurting local business. The problem now is not just people driving to Trader Joe or stopping off at Target on the way home from work, for those who commute. I see people who "love Ojai," ordering tons of things on-line that are available locally.
When it comes down to it, it's all about saving money in the moment--and not thinking about the long-term consequences on the economy of your hometown.
Ojai's greatest $$$ mistake: Putting too many eggs in the tourism basket.
Sometimes I long for the good ol' days when the arcade had a friendly all-purpose drug store on both ends and housed grocery stores, a toy store, a hardware, stationary and other practical stores...
Man it's complicated!
Comment #3 Posted by: Suza | December 3, 2009 08:41 AM
when a gas station goes unbranded as the 76 has they no longer have to buy gas from 76 only,they can buy from any oil company. so some time you may get 76 gas,at other times you get unbranded gas and that is ok if you dont care what what goes in your car. I have been in the oil business over 40 years and belive me all gas is not the same.The only station left in town if want high quality branded gas is ojai chevron, They may be a franchise but they have been in ojai since 1940 or so,long before the word franchise was around
Comment #4 Posted by: Anonymous | December 3, 2009 10:34 AM
Anon#4,
My understanding is that there are only 6 refinaries that produce ALL the gas for the state of California.
Comment #5 Posted by: Spk | December 3, 2009 11:13 AM