By Carol Anders Staff Writer
PLYMOUTH — As the gas prices fluctuate, area residents find themselves speculating daily on whether to fill up, take a chance on seeing the numbers rise even higher the next day or hope to rejoice at a lower price — and just how far can they afford to drive?
Area merchants are pleased with an increase in business and are doing all they can to make shopping locally a good experience for their customers.

The idea of promoting shopping in the local community is not new.
Doug Anspach, executive director of the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce said, “We (chamber) have always tried to advocate ‘shop Plymouth first.’“
Although he didn’t have any firm figures on how much business has increased in the last few months in Plymouth and the surrounding areas, Anspach did share his opinion on the matter.
“It makes sense to me, given the price of fuel today, that people who would ordinarily drive to South Bend, Merrillville or Fort Wayne are rethinking that decision,” he said.
Anspach said Plymouth has always been a regional shopping area.
“We have diversified quality offerings.” He added, “We’ve always had a very solid core of retail business in Plymouth-that will continue,” he said.
Anspach was quick to point out that the Sidewalk Sale Days beginning Thursday through Saturday is not just a downtown promotion.
“Chamber members from all of the shopping areas participate to generate excitement,” he said.
Shannon Emigh, who co-owns the Book Worm with her sister Jennifer, said they have definitely seen an increase in special orders.
Emigh said, “If we don’t have a particular book in stock, they (customers) will order it even if it takes a few days to get it.”
Emigh said the store has a number of customers from Argos, Culver and Knox as well as Plymouth.  She said they have also had more people wander through the store now than in the past.
The sisters are actively promoting shopping at independent businesses rather than purchasing online.
Information available in the Book Worm from the Great Lakes Independent Book Stores points out the sales taxes collected and paid help to support schools, social services and public agencies by giving back $68 of every $100 spent to their local communities. The Book Worm takes the need to support schools seriously as well. They offer a 20 percent discount to anyone who is purchasing a book for the libraries of area schools.
Bud Treat of Treat’s Squire Shop believes the services that his store offers keeps customers coming.
“Services like our tailoring shop are unique,” he said. “We continue to get business from out of town, even South Bend, because we have something that they can’t get in the mall.”
Treat said the store would always be happy with more business, but he is grateful for the loyalty of those who keep coming in and sending their families in as well.
Fernbagh’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry manager Kris Fawley said the store is hosting a truck show of Trollbeads during the Sidewalk Days promotion this week.
“This is a way for us to contribute,” she said. “Our owners have made a conscious effort to be a part of the community.”
Although they carry a fine line of diamonds, Fawley said they are aware of the constraints of pocketbooks, especially now, and offer a variety of jewelry in a wide range of prices.
Fawley said extra services like on-site watch repairs and the expertise of a gemologist are just a part of what contributes to what they have to offer.
“We will continue to offer personal service,” she said. “You don’t always get that in the mall.”
Sisters Donna Wenzel and Linda DeVault of Sisters Tea and Eatery in downtown Plymouth officially opened their restaurant on June 10 and are pleased with the increasing number of customers they have each day.
Since they designed their facility and menu around the idea of making their customers feel like it is their home, they are excited about being able to make customers happy.
Wenzel said, “We’re busy every day and it’s wonderful.”
Certified Herbalist Rhonda Walling of The Herb Store said she is from out of the state and can’t believe how friendly everyone in the area has been to her.
She said, “We get new customers every day and we feel like we have new friends as well as customers.”
Another local restaurant is also seeing an increase in business.
Dave Langdon of the Brass Rail said, “Our dinner business has definitely increased from last year.”
He said the restaurant gets referrals from hotels in town that really helps business; but they are seeing an increase in business from those in the community as well.