This article orginally appeared on FOX 13 News (July 4, 2013).
VENICE (FOX 13) – Molly Kraut’s journey from Venice veterinarian to small-business owner began when she realized how difficult it was to find pet food made in America.
Her complaints turned to action when her daughter gave her some advice.
“My daughter said one time, ‘Mom, you can keep complaining or you can do something about it,'” Kraut said Thursday. “I think everybody has the idea that they want to shop American but it’s tough to do.”
She decided to try to make it easier on customers by opening US Mart, which only sells products made in the USA.
“Our slogan is, ‘American Products, American Prices, American Pride.’ We’re trying to be a store that people can come in and just shop,” said Kraut, who splits her time between US Mart and her veterinarian business.
Kraut has had to use word-of-mouth and online research to track down many of the thousands of items she sells. She’s still stunned when certain things are made in other countries; she hasn’t yet found flag poles that are both produced in America and are affordable.
“It surprises me every time I pick up a label and it says, ‘Made in USA,'” she said.
US Mart, which is located on East Venice Avenue, has a growing base of faithful customers since it opened on President’s Day.
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