Do you shop local businesses more than large retail stores?

Question

Massageman · Accepted Answer

The problem is that there are decreasing numbers of local food stores, so what are we to do? Historically, our family WOULD shop in the smallest stores possible, and carried what we needed. There was a "clearance food store" in the next town over. It folded due to the proliferation of "dollar-type stores". Two local family-owned and run food shops folded because they just couldn't compete with the big name retail stores nearby. Of course, 99% of the time, I only buy what is on sale anyway, and I try to learn the sale pattern of each of the 6 retail chain food stores in our area. EBay does still give us an option to "buy local", just not so many selling perishable foods. Another good option- look for NPOs in your area that have Entrepreneur Sales for the local kids. The church our kids/grandkids attend had such a fair at which the church children sold their wares, and we did get quite a haul of handmade items and helped the kids too.

I digress for a moment. Our church has a free weekly food pantry. One of the largest food sellers in the country gives us "spoiled" food from their location that is closest to our pantry. Description of a "spoiled" $34.99 cake from this entity? The plastic dome dented the frosting! (The seal was unbroken = no contamination). Yup- dented frosting! Oh- my gracious - the world will end with a dent in my frosting!!! While we are very grateful to get the food donations- of any kind- we can only feel sad that this company is essentially dumping $35, thereby requiring the other prices on so many low-margin basic foods to be raised to make up the gap on this one super-high margin type of item.

Lliam · Accepted Answer

My wife and I live in a rural area about 20 or 30 minutes from two small cities.

I do buy some stuff from chain supermarkets, a small Safeway in one city and a SaveMart in another.

But my wife buys produce and meat from an organic store and another privately owned farm co-op. And there's a specialty store that has great cheeses.
She also buys eggs from a friend who raises chickens.
We grow a lot of our own herbs, fruit and veggies.

I would much rather buy from independent businesses.

I buy hot coco mix on-line from Equal Exchange. I put just bit in my morning coffee.
And I order coffee from Café Justo because it is 100% organic, grown under ideal conditions, is producer owned and benefits the indigenous people. It's great coffee.

EmmaMary · Accepted Answer

@sexymamimaria

As I live just on the outskirts of a small but thriving village, I'm a very strong believer in supporting local businesses... For example we have a very convenient farm shop just a couple of miles away, which sell the most amazing fresh produce including meats, vegetables, cheeses, honey etc... Yes, you do pay slightly more for the quality which far outweighs some of the pre - packaged/plastic products you get from the multinational supermarkets... However I for one, would much sooner taste the quality than have a few extra pennies in my purse... As the old saying goes "use them or lose them".

NoDecision · Accepted Answer

Depends what I'm shopping for. Most local businesses usually have higher prices than a chain store. But, if I am looking for convenience vs. price, then I will go to a local market as you can get out of the store faster with your purchase, and they are usually closer too. So would rather go to a local market instead of Walmart, depending on what I am shopping for.

Tarifa · Answer

I prefer small local shops, but convenience is also an important factor. I live outside the city center and finding a suitable parking space near the center is difficult during the summer months. We have several large shopping centers and retail stores on the outskirts of town, with free parking and a vast array of different shops. So convenience takes over at times.

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

As much as possible, but the economic climate doesn’t generally bode well for small businesses. It is becoming increasingly more difficult for them to compete with superstores. I make a better than fair living for myself and don’t mind paying a little more to keep the local economy thriving, but there’s a limit to my willingness and ability to do so. It’s directly proportional to my disposable income and free time.

RingOfFire · Answer

Large retailers. I don't shop to make a social statement, I shop to get the best selection and pricing. And that happens at the large retailers. The reason so many small competitors go out of business is because their business model doesn't work anymore. People vote for what they want with their wallets. It's called capitalism. That's the way to a healthy economy where consumers get what they want at the best prices and a healthy country. You are entitled to shop anywhere you want and support whoever you want, but to me, trying to make some kind of statement that you support an obsolete business model by limiting your selection and paying more than you need to makes no sense. Failing shop owners should close shop and go into a business that people want instead of trying to fight the tide of public choice. That's what successful entrepreneurs do.

Yoursweetgirl · Answer

I prefer large retail shops unless small business offers smth very unique cos in my city small businesses overcharge and are 2 or 3 times more expensive than large retail shops when they maintain the same quality so that means I'm paying 2-3 times more just cos a local artist put smth different on an average-quality shirt.
I'd love to support them though, cos they really have some cute stuff but it's too expensive for me

chrissykerdock · Answer

unfortunately all the local businesses closed up during the pandemic i live in a very democratic city

Subtle_Luminescence · Answer

Depends on what I'm buying. If it's dairy products, fruits, vegetables and meat, I prefer to go to shop it from local business.

If it's something branded I want for long lasting use, I make sure to get it from big renowned retailers.

slatyb · Answer

Depends on what I want. I get food locally, and clothing mostly from Nordstrom Rack, Uniqlo, etc. Everything else I get from Amazon because who has time to shop? I can order the exact thing I want and have it the next day.

alli-112 · Answer

Nope. Broke college student here, so shopping small isn't really accessible from a financial perspective. I try to whenever I can though (ex. small things at the farmer's market etc).

TheSpaceGnome · Answer

No, most small local shops dont stock anything I need, and when they do its usually basic monthly items that are way more expensive for a lot less.

Exceptions exist, like for collectables or pets, but for most things, no.

abc3643 · Answer

The only national chains that I shop are: Walmart Target CVS Walgreen some fast food chains Everything else is either local or a regional business.

DeeDeeDeVour · Answer

I try my best to support local businesses (especially "mom & pop stores") but they can't seem to successfully compete with the big boys for my business.

Finchie40 · Answer

I mainly shop large retail because it’s easier and convenient and they have a larger selection on things compared to some little store that is limited to selection

Simslover92 · Answer

I shop mostly online. Not sure if they are large retail stores. I highly doubt it. Beyond Amazon, I don't really shop at large brands like H&M or Gap or Nordstrom.

DryGermanGuy · Answer

Usually both, but for groceries there are only large retail stores left, with very few exemptions in small villages. I boycott Amazon and all those Chinese plastic crap sellers.

RHK36 · Answer

Sometimes. I shop for new things and things I know for sure I like. I don't compromise on certain items so it depends. If anything I do more online shopping nowadays than anything else.

Benjiman19 · Answer

Large stores confuse me, a ton. I don't know where anything is even when looking at the signs above the aisles. I more so prefer smaller stores. They sometimes have things that I really enjoy.

alice55 · Answer

I never do cause they re much more expensive and the people working in those are often rude weirdly plus the amount of insect found in those store are horrible (especially in the floor and pasta /rice)

exitseven · Answer

I try to. I frequent local hardware store and other small businesses. I eat at local resturants and not national chains

FreyaRed · Answer

No. Sometimes when I need something special but generally there are online shops for that.

DannyUk2017 · Answer

Right now, yes! As the big retailers seems to expensive even if they "display pennies"...

RavVid · Answer

The super market is across the road. So I do both at the same time.

AviatorTom · Answer

It's about the same. I shop wherever it makes the most sense.

genericname85 · Answer

"local businesses" don't really exist here. we have all the big chains. there's no small mom and pop businesses for retail.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

Whenever I can. The two ladies down my road are too cute to be ignored :)

ChicoFromThe305 · Answer

Supermarkets are the best when it comes for quantity buys

AfroSavannah · Answer

We all should though It helps everyone  Some think it's a poor person thing but they have no idea

SotiCoto · Answer

No. Small shops around here in London are generally operated by muslims and I hate muslims even more than I hate capitalism. It would be a very different matter if I was still back in Aberystwyth.

WonderingManII · Answer

I just shop at whatever store has the product I need.

Anonymous · Answer

Just the local pet store. The rest I cared about died thanks to Trump letting covid into the US.

Nerdvana · Answer

I do mostly. I always try to support small businesses. Even if it cost a little more.

Iron_Man · Answer

I shop at the mall, major businesses for my clothing all the well-known stores

jahaims · Answer

Large retail is about the only thing left around me

OfDeath · Answer

No, mostly large retail stores unless I have to go bush.

hannamontana · Answer

It's not always possible but im really trying to support local stores!

Jeff51 · Answer

I try local but sometimes the price is higher.

beefcakebradybatson · Answer

Usually larger retail stores;I'd say 60-40 larger vs. local businesses.

hello4433 · Answer

Depends on what I'm looking for and which place has better quality.

Jason4040 · Answer

I try to as much as possible to help smaller places out but some things I can only get from larger places

CubaPirate · Answer

I'm sorry to admit it but large stores it simply economics on my part

Dongie · Answer

Is that you? Long and lean fully tanned and full of lip? What was the question?

Nikki1989 · Answer

Local whenever possible.

strateguy632 · Answer

Local kuz it is nearer than walmart.

soe11 · Answer

Larger retail stores.

Wise4myage · Answer

I pretty much shop equally between the two.

vj0090 · Answer

Fucking hot profile pic... let's connect?

FenixG45 · Answer

ALWAYS! SUPPORT LOCAL!

Bklynbadboy12 · Answer

Nope large retail better selection and cost less

Demi89 · Answer

I go local convent store.

eagle1951 · Answer

yes as much as i can

WhitneySnow · Answer

Yes.

MannMitAntworten · Answer

By far, yes.

yk9998 · Answer

Local stores around me'

beenherebefore · Answer

Not really.

zombiewoof · Answer

Most times,

wkhan_87 · Answer

Yes local one

Anonymous · Answer

Nope.

Emmytexrex · Answer

I do both

Anonymous · Answer

No I don't.

Anonymous · Answer

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Do you shop local businesses more than large retail stores?

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Would you rather shop in locally owned businesses or big corporate chains for essential items like food etc and why?

Do you shop local businesses more than large retail stores?

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Would you rather shop in locally owned businesses or big corporate chains for essential items like food etc and why?

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