The Market Place — Local services in Brookings

A week or so ago, I visited Market Place in Brookings to have a look around and possibly purchase a couple of things. There were lots of bargains to be had and my husband and I were there for quite awhile checking things out. As we were leaving the store, I noticed that they sell MAMMY SALT SHAKERS that were recently manufactured (NOT ANTIQUES, NOT HIGH-QUALITY AMERICANA AT ALL) as souvenirs marked "Brookings, Oregon."

As a black woman with plenty of money to spend, I experienced shock and surprise. Seeing these derogatory little keepsakes had me feeling UNWELCOME in the store and SINGLED OUT for ridicule. You see, I did not notice any other products that could have been interpreted as OFFENSIVE or RACIST in terms of any other ethnic or cultural group except MINE. I left a fervent note in the Guest Book expressing my dissatisfaction with these products. I have asked my friends and allies NOT TO slam this business or call for a boycott because I believe this is a chance for the Market Place to be EDUCATED as to how their products impact shoppers like myself. PLEASE TAKE THE MAMMIES OFF THE SHELF OUT OF RESPECT FOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS and our friends and allies in other communities. Respectfully, Kristi M....

I've been looking for apple decor for my dream kitchen, and this place was a hit! Their prices were pretty cheap, and I was pleasantly surprised by their selection of antiques. Everything was well organized, although they did have a few booths closed off. They also had a room full of kites, so if that's what your looking...

I hadn't been in for quite a while and was so excited to meander through the eclectic treasures and nifty gifts. I couldn't have been more disappointed. The quirky charm was just...gone. There are still some interesting items, but you have to really look, and for those familiar with how it used to be, its just a...