Do you try to support local businesses?

[Aragorn]

When I go to mom and pop restaurants to buy food, I like to pay with cash instead of credit card, even if it's only saving them a few cents. But when it comes to buying goods, I only go to national chain stores anyway, so I highly doubt me buying things online (especially since our tax rate here is absurdly high) will affect them at all.

 

[Kestra]

I pretty much just shop online. Better prices, more choices, and less people.

 

[iBender]

Yes I do.

 

[galleywest]

Yes: local mechanics, restaurants, farmers markets/produce stands, hair salons.

No: books, movies, music, clothing (unless it's thrifted, I definitely support local thrift stores!).

I used to live in a city where access to local shops was much, much better, but I didn't shop at them often. Often they offered their locally made items (usually knick-knacks that I didn't need anyway) at outrageous prices. I can't pay $30 for a tee-shirt, even if it is local. It's unreasonable. I went into our local grocery and hardware a few times and was greeted with terrible selection, high prices, and service so apathetic it was almost hostile. If I need a book I go to the library first, then look online. If I want a movie I almost always watch it online or OnDemand.

On the other hand, even though his prices were slightly higher, I got nothing but the best service from my local mechanic (I haven't found a replacement since I've moved). And the non-chain local restaurants simply could not be beat (I hate eating at restaurant chains). Where I live now has an amazing farmer's market with unbeatable prices (the advantage of rural living).

Local stores have to find a way to keep themselves in the game economically. They can't rely on the consciences of their local community to keep them afloat, they have to be appealing to consumers. I dunno what the solution to that is, but some local businesses can do it, others really suck at it.

 

[Holdfast]

Local stores have to find a way to keep themselves in the game economically. They can't rely on the consciences of their local community to keep them afloat, they have to be appealing to consumers. I dunno what the solution to that is, but some local businesses can do it, others really suck at it.

Spot on.

I love my local independent deli/cafe and always go there rather than a chain. It's more expensive, but I still prefer it. Not out of any ideology or high principle, but because the food is of better quality and greater variety, the coffee is nicer, and the service and facilities are more welcoming. That business is thriving.

Same goes for my buying chocolates from a local independent rather than a confectionary chain (or even supermarket); the quality is better, as is the knowledgeable service, so I don't mind the extra expense.

Local independent businesses will thrive in well-off areas where there is discretionary spending that can support a higher quality - albeit more expensive - product. In areas where there is less discretionary spending, and in products where there is little or no quality difference between retailers, independents have nothing appealing to offer the consumer.

Nice to see you posting again, by the way.