Not just a whiner. (Well, maybe sometimes.)

Okay, so, in my last entry, I ranted a little about the hours that some Corvallis (and Albany) merchants keep, and how they’re not terribly convenient for those of us with full time jobs. Judging from the comments and e-mails I got, I am not alone in these feelings.

That post got linked over at the GT’s Green City blog with invitations for response. I think my frustration with the local merchants got a little convoluted — partly my fault due to the comment I left over there, but the comment about “no local strawberries in December” threw me a bit. I don’t want local strawberries in December… and I think good food is one of the easier things to source locally around here, actually. I did appreciate the feedback, though, especially the comment from Christa, who reminded me that garden centers can be a great location to find gifts.

Anyway, instead of a complaint and nothing more, I decided to start a list of merchants around the valley who are open past 6pm during the week. I’ll try to focus on non-chain shops. It’ll have to be a work in progress because not everyone has a website and that means phone calls and blaaaaah. Eventually, I’ll move the list to a page of its own.

Here’s a start, off the top of my head:

The Book Bin — open until 9pm Monday-Thursday, 10pm on Friday

Grass Roots Books & Music — only open until 6pm Monday-Thursday, but open until 7pm on Friday

Peak Sports — only open until 6pm Monday-Thursday, but open until 8pm on Friday (visit the site for extended holiday shopping hours)

Animal Crackers Pet Supply — open until 7pm Monday-Friday

WineStyles — open until 8pm Monday-Thursday, 9:30pm on Friday

Tom’s Garden Center — during the dates of November 16-December 25th, open until 7pm

Well, that’s all I can find for now… a lot of places don’t have websites, and those that do aren’t open any later than 6pm during the week. If anyone knows of a place I can add to this, leave a comment!

Editing 11/25: How could I have forgotten the local yarn shop? Shame on me. Fiber Nooks & Crannys is open until 8pm on Thursdays. Except on Thanksgiving, natch.