Store Owners/Managers: Lina Carmon and Zeina Alumari
Gastowne Mini Mart was selected as PREVENT!'s Store of the Month. Gastowne is a locally owned neighborhood store that sells gas, coffee, refreshments, and a variety of convenience items. They were honored because of their commitment to community, minimal alcohol and tobacco advertisements, and for not selling drug paraphernalia. Please read our interview with store owner, Lina.
PREVENT!: Tells us about your store
Lina: Gastowne has been around for many years, but we just took over ownership in October, 2009. It was a new beginning for the store. When we moved in it was a lot of work, the store was fairly empty and we began working to fill the store, change inventory, get all the licenses needed, and begin making the store match our vision for what it could be. We looked at many locations in Oregon and around the region, but wanted to be in the city. I have a 2 ½ year old son, Ognian, we like being in this community.
PREVENT!: You have minimal alcohol and tobacco ads in your store, why did you make this decision?
Lina: Customers know that mini-marts sell alcohol and tobacco; we don't feel like we need to advertise it. We don't like the look of too many ads and are concerned about attracting only the customers who want to buy alcohol. We sell a lot of other merchandise and want customers to feel safe and welcome in our store.
PREVENT!: You don't sell Drug Paraphernalia like pipes or bongs in your store, why did you make this decision?
Lina: The previous store owners sold drug paraphernalia but we decided to remove it because we didn't want suspicious or illegal activity around our store. If people want to buy those products there are stores that sell them, we don't need to. Removing these items has made the store a safer, more pleasant place to shop for our community.
PREVENT!: What is in the future for Gastowne Mini-Mart?
Lina: We are excited to be serving coffee and we plan to bring in more specialized coffee, organic food items, and hot foods. Although, we have a big store, it almost feels too small as we have more and more items we would like to bring in. We want the store to be a full-service mini-mart where the neighborhood can come for convenience items, not just a gas station. As a new store in the community, it feels good to receive recognition! We are excited to be a local store the community can feel good about supporting.
