Although Parks has no idea we ever met, I did go to the store when he owned it and I did make a purchase as did others who worked for me occasionally do so. I can't help but analyzing businesses when I go to them. In my observations, it was one of those businesses that was remarkable in it's success. I attributed it 100% to Parks and his hand picked staff trained by him and working in his image. Perhaps that's how he learned but I know nothing of the earlier generations.
It reminded me of the small town country stores I use to see where everyone went, the stores with the old men playing checkers. It reminded me of a pharmacy in my hometown that my family always went to where literally, everybody did know your name, but most importantly, the owner knew everyone who came in. He once saved my mother from serious problems by catching a prescription ordered when she couldn't have and she never would have known.
You could see that customers came there because they knew they'd be helped, they knew they'd be treated well. I don't think the buyer ever really understood. They didn't grasp the culture Parks had built. I think back to one event and that is when Parks drove across the state to deliver an anchor. The normal business person says you can't do that. They don't realize that it doesn't just impress the buyer but everyone else who knows.
As to it's ultimate closing, they did what I see so many businesses doing and that is cutting back on staffing and on inventory. Sure path to losing business. That's not Covid induced nor is it Supply Chain, it's simply not maintaining and investing in your business.
I hate this but Hopkins Carter ended when Parks sold it. Just took some time to become official.
