It’s a slap in the face.

For ten years Redmond Town Center and its merchants have happily pocketed the money of the “average” people of Redmond. In return, residents got convenience and a certain feeling of community that had been lacking.

Recently, a new philosophy seems to have taken over at Town Center: not everyone is needed nor wanted anymore.

Did you shop Lane Bryant? You’re either too old or too large or maybe both.

Was Abercrombie’s your place? You are probably too young to bring in enough cash for us to bother with.

The rubber stamp store … crafts? Are you kidding?

And now here comes a $35-a-seat movie theater that is proudly promoting that it is “targeted to an affluent audience” with suggested ages of attendee!

And this was at the same location where Redmond families used to enjoy a casual evening out at the movies and maybe see friends and neighbors!

Earlier this year my wife and I decided that not only did Town Center no longer want us, but that the feeling was mutual.

Amazingly, we discovered we could shop elsewhere and feel welcome, even valued. So now we make a day of it and the merchants at Alderwood, South Center and University Village don’t seem to mind accepting our money.

David Wobker

Redmond