Author: Gavin Baarts
Over the last 2 years, Ukiah has become home to various corporate businesses. Some of these being the quick and easy In-and-Out, which arrived around Fall of 2017, and the shopping giant, Costco Wholesale. And with Panda Express coming later this October, one has to ask, what effect will this have on our small local town?
In the interest in understanding the effect of this change in Ukiah, UHS News sought the EDSC for some insight. Heather Gurewitz answered the call. In an interview, Heather touched on the effect of local citizens traveling to outside cities such as Santa Rosa for their consumer needs. By buying goods out of town, Ukiah is no longer earning the profits that would come from staying local. She also states this is a main reason why more corporates are being brought in. With more corporates moving to the local area, Ukiah is able to grow and prosper.
After just recently coming to the Ukiah area in July of last year, Costco has shown to be a mainstay for citizens, answering the massive demand for a Costco opening in Ukiah to town. In an interview, Darcy Glasson, assistant general manager, had this to say about the sudden influx of big brands, “In our opinion, more corporate franchises are opening based on consumer/community demand. For years Ukiah residents have driven to Santa Rosa and further to shop at the mall and other stores that are not available in Ukiah.” This shows the want for convenience and accessibility among Ukiah citizens.
On the other side we have Ellie’s Mutt Hut. After 40 years of continued outstanding local service, Ellie’s is still one of the mainstays for local Ukiah. In an interview with Ellie’s owner, she expressed her opinion on how Ukiah should grow. This being that Ukiah should grow as much as possible, but avoid it being a hinderance on local business. This is the main issue with the growth of more corporate businesses, but so far it hasn’t gotten to that point.
The businesses aren’t the only thing being affected yet the change though, local citizens also have their say. In an interview with Ukiah High student Adam Lewis, he states that he likes the change and welcomes future corporates moving locally. Adam believes this is also a negative as well, quoting, ”Ever since In and Out came to Ukiah, it hasn’t had the same taste as when I got it every once and awhile.” With these corporates moving locally, maybe it’s taking away the sacredness of the business. All in all he says that with how it’s going so far, this change seems to be a good step.
As Ukiah begins to grow more and more, it seems as though the demand for convenient consumer corporations is gaining more traction. Will this be a big step in the right direction, or be the first step to Ukiah’s downfall? We will have to wait and see.
