Follow-Up: The Backlash to “Shop Local… Except When We Don’t”

Wow, Fostoria—our little article questioning why a downtown business pushes “shop local” while stocking beer from an out-of-town brewery (and then asks the public for Sunday sales support) certainly struck a nerve. The post on In the Axe’s page exploded with comments, likes, and shares. Engagement through the roof! Who knew a simple opinion piece could generate this much… passion?

Let’s break it down honestly.

First, credit where it’s due: The owners of In the Axe responded like adults. They explained their business decisions calmly, emphasized their local support (wine from a Fostoria grad, merchandise made here, fundraisers, events), and even offered to chat in person. Classy. No complaints there.

Alysa Sidle also chimed in thoughtfully, pointing out that separate businesses can coexist and that expecting one to carry a competitor’s product “doesn’t make sense in the real world of entrepreneurship.” Fair point—healthy competition is good for everyone.

But then… there were the Emotional Reactors.

You know the type: the ones who can’t handle an opposing viewpoint without personal attacks, name-calling, or dramatic accusations. Here are a few gems (names included because, well, they posted publicly):

• Gina Bowen called it “Typical rage bait. Only feeble minded people like yourself would attempt to discredit a local business because it doesn’t fit YOUR agenda.” (Aw, thanks for the psychology degree, Gina—earned right there on YouTube, no doubt.)
• Stacey Brockway Avalon went full meltdown: “You honestly don’t make sense! … Why can’t you be supportive? It sounds as though you run some sort of business ? I hope that you don’t have to feel what these businesses feel as someone who has no clue about either business tries to bash them publicly! … Hopefully what Fostoria stands for is shutting you down.” Then later: “Lmao!!!! ‘bash’, get over yourself Karen.” (Stacey, deep breaths. It’s just an opinion on Facebook. Nobody took your arm.)
• Sara Ritchie: “A man who decided to create a YouTube and Facebook account and ramble his intellectual thoughts. … You sir, are the cheap tabloid of the internet. If anyone in this community follows your ‘perspective’ then Fostoria is definitely doomed.” (Solid burn, Sara—except the article was about business choices, not dooming the town. But hey, drama sells.)
• Victoria Beckford: “weren’t you against the woody? If your page didn’t go away we’d see how you used to attack them and now, you’ve flipped. Why? Now it’s like your best friends with them. weird.” (Flip-flopping accusations from someone who apparently missed the entire point.)

These folks proved the old saying: present a mild critique, and watch the Emotional Reactors flood the zone with insults, conspiracy theories about agendas, and wishes for “shutting down” a local page. It’s almost endearing how fragile some egos are—one differing opinion, and suddenly it’s war.

The irony? Many of these same defenders preach “support local” while attacking a local independent voice asking basic questions. Can’t make it up.

At the end of the day, the original point stands: Actions speak louder than slogans. If “shop local” is the mantra, maybe stock the neighbor’s beer next door instead of asking why no one wants to cross-promote. But hey, that’s just one perspective from the “cheap tabloid of the internet.”

Thanks to everyone who read, shared, and commented thoughtfully. Fostoria’s better when we can discuss ideas without the tantrums. Keep supporting the businesses you love—and feel free to question them too. That’s how communities stay healthy.

What do you think, Fostoria? Drop a comment (civil ones preferred 😉).

—The Fostoria Free Press 2.0

FOSTOR Ai Notes:

The phrase “Shop Local… Except When We Don’t” in the title is a sarcastic jab summarizing the core criticism in the original article (and the followup post).

Here’s the breakdown:

• The business “In the Axe” is portrayed as enthusiastically promoting “shop local” in general—they highlight carrying local wine, merchandise made in Fostoria, supporting local events, charities, etc.
• But (the “except when we don’t” part), they explicitly choose not to stock beer from Urban Woody, a brewery literally next door/right around the corner in downtown Fostoria.
• Then, the same business posts asking the public for help/signatures to get Sunday beer sales approved—essentially wanting community support while not extending the same “shop local” courtesy to their direct neighbor/competitor.

It’s pointing out what the author sees as hypocrisy: preaching “support local businesses” loudly… except in this one convenient case where it would mean carrying a rival’s product. The ellipsis and “except when we don’t” add irony, like an unspoken caveat to their “shop local” slogan.

The followup post uses it to frame the backlash, noting how some defenders got super emotional/defensive over the mild critique. Hope that clears it up!