LETTERS: LONGTIME OFFICE STORE

To the editor:

I am very concerned about a headline for an article written by Ray Owen in the Nov. 20 Missourian. It has caused me, my customers and my employees serious problems. The "others closing" in the headline has been interpreted by some of the customers and friends as being Craftsman Office Supply Co. We have had similar comments also from surrounding cities. The article also stated, "Cape Girardeau won't be without a major office supply store: Staples Inc., a 10-year-old office superstore ... provides up to 7,000 brand-name office products along with furniture, computers and business machines."

Our catalogue lists in excess of 7,000 items that are available for next-day delivery. We have an outstanding office-furniture department featuring office planning and design.

We have recently become associated with U.S. Office Products -- the home office being located in Washington, D.C. This company has outlets in more than 100 U.S. cities and is operating in foreign countries. Through this association, we have gained a purchasing advantage that allows us to compete favorably with other large companies.

Your headline damages the credibility of Craftsman Office Supply Co. We have been in business for 48 years and are a healthy, productive, dependable, long-standing local business.

C.A. BOHNSACK

Craftsman Office Supply Co.

Cape Girardeau