I never saw Bob without receiving a boisterously friendly greeting, usually accompanied by a funny quip or spontaneous serenade. As a customer, he (and the staff) made me feel welcome and made me want to come back. I'll admit that I've sought out the Good Earth on a "bad day," knowing the warmth and coziness of the store always makes me feel happy. If Bob was there, he would be sure to make me laugh, and I could top the whole experience with an indulgent Mocha Pie or oatmeal cake! Who could ask for more?
While I know people for whom the maze-like, filled-to-the-gills store and "everybody knows your name" atmosphere is at first intimidating, I am sure that those Bob-like qualities of quirkiness, warmth, welcoming, (and slight uncertainty of what might happen next when you're there) have been to the key to keeping the Good Earth open for nearly 40 years. Yes, the shoes are great, the inventory is vast, the staff are patiently helpful, and the prices are great. But I believe the greatest success of the Good Earth has been building a community of customers that make it more than just a place to shop. Bob gave this city an alternative to the big box grocery when there were no other options, and even as other options have come and gone, the Good Earth has remained - locally owned and operated, supported by a community of local customers.
Bob will be dearly and deeply missed. The presence and energy he gave the store are irreplaceable, and yet I believe the heart he gave the store will continue to beat strongly in the community he helped create. And so, a thousand thanks to Bob for being himself, and for believing in his little store with big heart! His greetings, jokes, songs and musings will echo within the walls of the Good Earth, and leave smiling ripples in the community for years to come.
2 comments:
Oh my god I can't believe it...I just saw Bob Saturday while doing my regular shopping at Good Earth? This is the most awful news and my heart is just breaking at reading about this...it's hard to even imagine that this is true and he won't be there to smile and greet me again next Saturday, or while walking/ biking on the Monon...we all grieve at this news and mourn for a truly great and humle man...they don't come any better than Bob!
I have been a Good Earth regular since my parents took me there for the first time in the late 80's right after we moved to Indiana. I remember Sugar Bob always made me feel welcome even as a little girl. I bought Diet for a New America @ Good Earth based on his recommendation when I was 14 yrs old, which led me to adopt a vegetarian and eventually vegan diet. Good Earth is the BEST grocery store for all of the reasons already mentioned.
The loss of Sugar Bob is heartbreaking, but we can dwell on happy memories of all the good he did for the community by maintaining a locally owned and operated health food store in Indianapolis. I hope and pray that his legacy will be carried on by friends and family.
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