Do you prefer to shop at a big box store or a Mom and Pop?

Question

If the prices are the same, would you prefer to shop at a mom and pop or big coorporate chain?

If the chain store has better prices, do you go there?

Answer 1

I used to go to Home Depot all the time, but a few years ago I found that the quality of the materials and more importantly, the help, went to poop. I now go to the local lumber yard and the local hardware and other chain hardware stores like ace, aubuchon, etc and find that even though I pay a bit more for some things I get more personal service and sales people that really try to help me. Not too mention more often than not the drive is shorter, the store is smaller, I am in and out quicker. My time is more important than getting a light switch for a few cents less.

I have transfered that to other aspects of my shopping life and try to do most of my buisness in the town that I live in, such as when I need a tradesman like a plumber or say a landscaper, I go with hometown guys first.

Answer 2

i have this discussion with my customers all the time. big box have their loss leaders, but get you on the impulse items (non essential). mom and pop offer knowledge of product and service unlike most big box. typically i buy from small chain and mom and pop retailers. i know the cost wholesale on many items so i see first hand each retailers mark up. if the price was the same i would shop the mom and pop, but sometimes their selection or depth of inventory is not great when you need an item right away and cannot wait. big box has the opposite unfortunately.

Answer 3

I don't have kids or a big household but I LOVE MOM and POP stores. However, if I have to get a lot of different items, no matter the price, I am going to one place.I know that just sucks , doesn't it.? However, I always will contribute my business to the small guys.I was a small business owner so, I can relate to the care you take if yu have a small store.Best of luck to you!

Answer 4

I will pay extra not to have to try finding a parking space, walk the remaining 1/2 mile to the big box store, fight my way to the back of the store to find what I need (why is it always in the back?), then stand in line 15 minutes to check out one item.

I don't really care much if I pay $2.59 or $2.99 for a big bag of M&M's. But if it's $2599 or $2999 for a big screen TV, I will go to the box to save hundreds of dollars.

Answer 5

properly I stay in a small city so incredibly lots all we've are kin owned companies. I do in spite of the undeniable fact that like paying for at mega shops which incorporate Wal-Mart and super ok-Mart through fact it is so convienient to merely pass in and be able to purchase each little thing that i desire for the week at one place. Plus with lots opposition you're very virtually garaunteed to get the ultimate value accessible.

Answer 6

i would shop which ever is cheaper and if their the same price then which ever one is closer to my house !