Persian Peacock owner urges Cache Valley to shop locally

By Blaine Adams

May 6, 2009 | Persian Peacock, the Logan lingerie boutique, is no stranger to controversy. But owner Jessica McWhinnie isn't interested in offense or sensationalism.

Instead, she urges all of Logan to buy locally.

"Buying local makes so much sense on so many levels. Better service, better products. The money stays in the community," said McWhinnie.

The boutique is stocked with high-quality products. The staff is friendly and helpful, eager to answer questions. The entire store exudes an old-fashioned vibe, one that recalls 1950s main streets. Indeed, the store is on Logan's Main Street, surrounded by other locally-owned shops. And although the stores vary in the services and products they offer, each contributes to the community.

McWhinnie said in the current economic climate, there is a nationwide push to buy American and especially local, and she hopes citizens will understand the value local businesses bring to the city, and the good, she said, they do.

"As far as the local businesses, all of them I'm aware of give back to the community."

McWhinnie's philosophy extends to her personal life as well.

"I'm a big believer in putting my money where my mouth [is]. This year I made a resolution to only buy local wherever possible. I've saved money and I've learned a lot more about the things I'm buying."

The Persian Peacock is entirely local, with no corporate offices or bureaucracy. "The store," said McWhinnie, "donates to a number of local charities and community efforts; Stokes Nature Center, Planned Parenthood, Capsa, multiple fundraisers as well as the police and fire department."

McWhinnie explained the source of her devotion to the local community.

"My dad was a jeweler and an independent/local business owner. Growing up, he instilled in us ‘you support your friends and neighbors first. We did shop at the local markets, corner stores and other independent businesses first as far back as I can remember," she said.

She continued, "[He said] take care of the people who take care of you. That's just what you do. It's important for local businesses to be involved because this is our community too. We're happy to do it."

But it is, of course, a two-way street between proprietor and customer. McWhinnie, in her attempt to shop only locally, has had many positive experiences.

"I needed a tea kettle so I went to Kitchen Kneads. I spent a bit more then I would've at a box store, but those extra dollars bought me a full education, higher quality product, in-store warranty, great service, and recipes too," she said.

McWhinnie mentioned that many of the local shop owners feel the same way as she, hoping Logan customers will understand the value inherent in supporting one's own community. And, she said, in the absence of these businesses, there is a definite loss.

"I would go to Everson's Ace Hardware, and they would sell me the light bulb and install it for me too. Now, with the onslaught of big-box stores, there are no local hardware stores. That's not what I'm accustomed to."

But the Persian Peacock also adds much to the Logan culture and environment.

"The function of our store is intimacy and we play everything from doctors to therapists. Eighty percent of our customers are good conservative married couples," McWhinnie said.

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