"No matter what job you're in, whether it's retail or whether it's insurance or whether it is, you've got to have fun in your business. And when you quit having fun, it's time to get out." - Cindy Purnell

In this episode, host Terresa Zimmerman sits down with Cindy Purnell, owner of Post and Rail Men's Shop in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. With a retail career spanning over five decades, Cindy brings a wealth of experience and insights to the conversation. Her story is one of adaptability, community involvement, and a deep passion for personalized customer service.

Key points in this episode:

-Post and Rail Men's Shop has been a fixture in Ligonier for 50 years, celebrating its anniversary in November
2024.

-The store specializes in classic, traditional men's clothing with a casual twist, catering to the "horsey
town" vibe of Ligonier.

-Cindy discusses the challenges and joys of running a small-town retail business, including:

• Balancing tradition with the need to attract younger customers

• The importance of community involvement and chamber of commerce membership

• Using technology (QuickBooks Point of Sale) to inform buying decisions

• Adapting to challenges like COVID-19 through Facebook live sales

-The challenges of staffing and succession planning for small businesses

-The importance of maintaining a store's identity while adapting to change

-Why "Main Street matters" - the value of personalized service and community connections in
retail

Featured in this episode:

Cindy Purnell owner of Post and Rail Men’s Shop

https://www.thepostandrail.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/postandrailmensshop

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/postandrailligonier/

Connect with Us:

Main Street Matters Podcast:

Website: www.mainstreetmatters.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmatters1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-matters

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MainStreetMatters_MSM

Host - Terresa Zimmerman:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/terresachristensonzimmerman