SONOITA, Ariz. — In the right corner of the center of Sonoita lies two local stores, Cowgirl Flair and Sonoita Mini Market. However, just across the street there is a Dollar General, which was protested by the community two years ago.
Now, some residents are still not satisfied with it.
"We're a small town, and we're a unique small town. We still thrive on mom and pop shops," Owner of Cowgirl Flair Stephanie Hubbell said. "When you bring corporate in, it just changes things. It's not your same small town feel."
Hubbell said the small town feel means customers are neighbors, so it's easy to make lasting relationship.
"I give you that friendly, family service that small town people give," Hubbell said.
She's been the owner of Cowgirl Flair for seven years. She didn't support dollar general because she said stores like Dollar General make it hard for her to stay open.
"They get a cheaper price than what our local mom and pops get it for, so that drives there numbers down, but it also drives people away from here and they go there," Hubbell said.
She said the mini market next door, owned by her friend Tina, has slowed down since the opening on Dollar General, but Hubbell understands why Dollar General is popular.
"It is convenient that it is there," Hubbell said. "I can go across the street pick up those items (groceries)."
Some other people said it's nice to have a place that is open late, and sells items they need for cheap.
Nine on your side reached out to Dollar General about how the business has been doing since its arrival. It said, "We have been well received by the community, and we look forward to continuing to serve Sonoita customers in this location."
Hubbell has lived in Sonoita for 15 years and says local matters to this community, because they know the name and the face to the business.
