UPSON'S

"MAYBERRY"

It's Mayberry! The feeling you get when you shop at a local small business who knows who you are!

Small independent businesses (like "Upson's") are what makes Kalamazoo Special & Unique from Anywhere on the planet.

Take a moment to think about the towns you travel through. Aren't they all starting to look alike?

But wait a minute, this isn't some "franchise city syndrome", we're just recognizing what the the impact of the subtle & steady loss of small businesses has on a communities identity - and its quality of life.

We encourage you to support businesses who notice you when you walk through the door, greet you, and may even call you by name - these are the things that truly make you feel special and connected to your community. Support businesses who truly appreciate that you are choosing to shop with them. Value businesses who know their products, offered with professional advice, and of course service (real people to talk to with your questions, comments or concerns). Open the door to small business, and step inside - you may just find the warmth and friends of "Mayberry" inside!

A Mayberry Moment. Appreciating simple things.

The "Shadow" Knows how to bring a smile. This is a picture of my dog "Riley" (a shadow of his former self). Seemingly listening intently to his new friend, the lawn sculpture. I hope it brings a smile to your day.

ABOUT UPSON'S

We're often asked "How did you get started in the wine business?" The cornerstone of Upson's" is wine. We spent a lot of years being frustrated consumers. If you've ever stood in a grocery store isle trying to figure out if a wine was good (because the label is pretty or the price is right), or felt intimidated because you couldn't even pronounce the name of the wine you were looking for....believe me, we've been there. That's why shopping at Upson's is so comfortable, we've never forgotten those feelings.

Now, 27 years later, there are still wines out there that we don't pronounce "correctly", but what's more important is the excitement of trying something new. I'm thrilled with every bottle I open (even if it's a familiar one), because I enjoy the process of "meeting it". A wine tells me so much about itself before I even taste it. This introduction is a very important time. I start to slow myself down, and pay attention to what the wine is telling me about itself. We, at Upson's haven't forgotten those early stages of learning about wine, so come talk with us, and we'll help you take it one "sip" at a time.

But, "Who is W. J. Upson?" When we opened in 1982, we named the store for my grandfather "Walter James Upson". He lived his entire life in Kalamazoo, worked hard, and was well respected in this community. He was an absolutely amazing guy. I'm so honored to have had such a grandfather to name this business after (I've always felt I'd better do a good job, because it wasn't just my reputation on the line, it was his too).

Thanks for visiting our Webshop. We all look forward to seeing you personally soon.

Linda Czapla, and the entire Upson staff.

Visit us at: 3817 S Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan / Store Hours Tuesday-Friday 10-6 Saturday 9-3

Charter Member of the Kalamazoo South Westnedge Business Association

Last modified: 11 February 2010