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by highlandlass on November 16th, 2007
I would always prefer to buy locally but sometimes it if difficult if the large chains have sent the local businesses bust or driven then out of town with unfair buying power advantage :) Great question Ed.
by haggis on November 14th, 2007
i try to. i love going to the farmers market and supporting the farmers and the smaller independent stores. its hard though it seems like everyday the bigger corporations are taking over and buying out the small stores.
i used to work at a small independent book store and it was bought out by books inc, which sucks.
by Starmaster on July 30th, 2008
Regarding pharmacies, I switched from Walgreens, who are taking over the drugstore business all over Puerto Rico, to a small community pharmacy located less than two miles from my house. I still go to Walgreens for a few items like their dirt cheap Listerine imitation mouthwash....but for drugs I am switching to the small local pharmacies. For everything else.....I usually buy from the big chains because they are cheaper and times are hard to overpay for most items.
by xena-angel on July 30th, 2008
when ever I can. and I protested my companies decision to take contracts away from local businesses and giving them to national contractors.
by Galeanda on July 30th, 2008
If I can give my business to a local I do every time. I get better service every time by people that really care.
by BigDaddyBS on July 30th, 2008
Yes, and no. We buy in town, but at state, regional, and national chains... We can't afford NOT to. We will at least check out local stores, or we sometimes buy from local franchises, but we usually find selection is lacking, and things are more expensive. And, sometimes it's cheaper to drive to Indy to buy things at Sam's Club - This is usually on a "combined trip" where we have to go to Indy, anyway.
by needtoknow on July 30th, 2008
I would but they have a mark-up that's unbelieveable. I can't afford local...Except for our bakery, Their prices are fair and their dounuts are terrific:)
by Cheery Cherry on July 30th, 2008
I try but with being broke sometimes and local businesses closing down or inconveniently located, it makes it tough. I do like family owned businesses because they really take care of you and you get to know them and vice versa. There are still a couple of places that I still go to even if the prices may be lower at the chain stores.
by Merfish on July 30th, 2008
I own a small local business, I know how hard it can be to compete. I try very hard to support the other small businesses in my town.
by Wulfweard on September 5th, 2008
I would do if they remained open. Most of the small stores are closing down and being replaced by coffee bars or charity shops.
by girlpower on September 5th, 2008
Whenever possible we do. We used to be a small town that has turned into a city w/ all the big box stores and many local business's have gone out of business (sadly).
by Medwin on September 5th, 2008
I do, as long as there isn't too much of a price difference.
by Mentor on September 5th, 2008
Yes I do every chance I get. I love the personal attention and a feeling that they really care and thank you for being their customer.
by Simply99 -- Not a fan favorite. on July 30th, 2008
The local national chain store will employ much more local workers, which is probably better for the local economy. So, I do like to go that way, generally, to help keep the unemployment level as low as possible.
by RSLCorp on July 30th, 2008
I support better value.
by thekingcobra63 on November 14th, 2007
I do my best, and always visit the local hardware store first before having to go to the big stores for stuff. I also go specifically to local vendors for things instead of trying to find a part or item at walmart, etc. I do still ugo to the big stores, but I do get better satisfaction from the local vendors when they have what I need.
by Yarnlady is happy every day on November 14th, 2007
All the people who used to own local businesses now work for the big guys, so if I didn't buy there they would all be out of jobs.
P.S. the ones I have talked to are much better off now than they ever were with their own store. They have better medical care, retirement funding, sick leave, paid vacation, and more leisure time than they ever did on their own. If you have heard a lot of bad rap about the national chain stores, be sure you know the source. Many of the stories are invented by the competition.
Go to the stores and talk to the employees yourself. It is very enlightening.
by Firebrand on November 14th, 2007
I do buy quite a few things at the village store. The couple are trying to build up the business and do not always have a very wide ranging stock.
I do my big monthly shop at the Supermarket
by 91aon91 on November 14th, 2007
i did but i closed now but i think it is just closeing for x-mas but im not sure!!
by shammers still slogging along on November 28th, 2009
I live in a beach town and in the "old town" part which has a Main Street. The city doesn't allow any chain-type enterprises on Main Street . . only small owner-operators.
by Stranger in a Strange Land on November 21st, 2009
Always. Sam Walton's heirs don't need my money as much as my neighbors do. +4
by Im BACK on April 10th, 2009
I support local business instead of a big national chain..
by mephil on March 28th, 2009
yes. the family dollar
by Val on February 28th, 2009
When ever I can but due to the current economy I have to shop price know
by machinerat on February 22nd, 2009
In theory I do... the thing is that on a number of occasions I have actually been given WORSE service from local businesses.
by Nasiswand on February 22nd, 2009
I used to buy both my books and jewelry from the local shops in our mall. But apparently I was the only one because both have closed their doors. :(
by I belong in . . . on February 22nd, 2009
That depends on what I'm shopping for.
by dbrooks91 on February 22nd, 2009
I say the local business. Although many times I have no choice but to go to the big chain stores.
by Timjon on November 28th, 2009
Sometimes yes, and sometimes not. It all depends on their level of service and friendliness, and whether their prices are in the realm of reality.
by matt89 on November 28th, 2009
Around here, I mostly shop at my local Foodland for groceries and the Family Dollar for clothing. Most of the very major companies are located in Barboursville, which is 10 miles down the Interstate.
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Comments
Thanks for your answer! I miss some of the small specialty shops that have closed due to the big chain stores.
by Ed the Jetpacking Headbanger on November 16th, 2007
Same here, I'd rather know the money was staying in a community to keep it alive instead of going elsewhere to make a CEO a big fat pay check.
by highlandlass on November 16th, 2007