Taking in pricing, convenience, etc., which do you prefer?
2007-12-16 05:14:14 · 18 answers · asked by Wandering In The Wilderness 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
I cannot stand Wal-Mart. I go but it's usually as last resort. We have Meijers here and other places that are much more customer friendly. I like the uniqueness of smaller businesses though when I'm looking for something special or better quality or need explanations and advice.
2007-12-16 08:39:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Being that I hate to shop, I usually shop wherever I can run in and get what I need at a reasonable price. Now, if I want to buy something for my house, or a gift for a friend, I like to go to antique stores or buy things from local artisans. Also, when I am visiting other cities, I like to buy something during my trip which is a reminder from that area, such as a glass clock from Venice, a handmade Mexican blanket, or Gaudi artwork from Barcelona. I have found that buying from stores that are locally owned usually give you the best quality and guarantee, as the local owner has a reputation to maintain; the people who work for Walmart may not really care as much.
2007-12-16 05:31:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
As a small retailer, I can say that I really really don't like Walmart. They try to cut us every way they can, and then when they get the customers coming to their store, they raise the prices. Then when you get used to buying your stuff there, they discontinue your brands, and since you are already going there anyway, you just choose their brands. Really p****es me off. So I don't shop there unless I absolutely have to. Their business practices are just short of shady, and they often treat their wholesalers and jobbers badly.
I don't mind Target and some of the other big box stores, but they undercut the small local stores badly, and make it hard for them to stay in business. Besides, they are usually clustered in big shopping areas, and that pulls the traffic to them, and the small businesses that are in other areas of town are pretty much left out of the big Christmas and Thanksgiving sales. eg: on Black Friday, the traffic count near the malls and big box stores was over 200,000, and downtown areas, about 5,000--and most of that on their way to the big box areas. One normally very popular dress shop downtown had 10 customers on Black Friday.
So yes, I support the local stores. Keep the money in the area, and help support our local business people.
2007-12-16 08:08:45 · answer #3 · answered by Isadora 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Smaller, local stores. I live in the mountains, so I like to stay up here. We have a walmart the next town over that I go to occasionally, but with them raising prices on almost everything I used to get there when I lived inthe city a few months ago, it's easier and cheaper to stay close to home and to support the mom and pop stores.
After all, I'm one of those mom and pops!
2007-12-16 05:18:00 · answer #4 · answered by Cheese Fairy - Mummified 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Being retired military, travel to the Commissary and AAFES-which is the Army/Air Force Exchange Store, whenever possible.
No tax at AAFES but I check cost of items just like anywhere else. I wait for clothing sales and get the grand kids clothes there for 50-75% off, all name brand, during the off seasons.
Since we own a Mom & Pop store also, we tend to shop at all the smaller stores.
Have a Super Center in our town and it just takes too long to get in and out of there during this time of year.
2007-12-16 06:15:39 · answer #5 · answered by kriend 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm an adventure shopper...meaning that I shop mostly Sally's (the Salvation Army), GW's (the Goodwill) or even Wink's Place (our local sway shop at the "dump") I've gotten incredible things at all of these places...every thing from complete, stylish Talbot's wardrobe, to a floor lamp, chest, pots and pans, dishes...you name it. I HATE WALLY WORLD (aka Walmart) and the local shops are just to pricey for me. I also am a believer in recycling and reusing so my "stores of choice" fit the bill (pun intended) on many levels.
2007-12-16 07:31:12 · answer #6 · answered by yoga guy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have to buy so much I shop all over.
I have to start a couple months ahead also.
One thing I will add I like Walmart.
I save lots of money there.
Yearly Walmart saves me Money on several different things.
I know I have heard some speak a few bad words about Wal-mart but I also appreciate the fact they hire Senior Citizens and also some disabled.
2007-12-16 05:39:12 · answer #7 · answered by Mustbe 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
For me, its a matter of cost. I do not have much money so I need to shop at the chain stores. There are some stores however I will not shop at, such as Walmart.
2007-12-16 05:17:04 · answer #8 · answered by Jason 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I shop at both kinds of stores.
Walmart saves me a fortune.
Sometimes it's the dollar store, sometimes the thrift store.
I shop where ever I can get what I want at the best price,
as long as it isn't too far away.
2007-12-16 07:21:42 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I love the mom and pop stores but I'm sorry to say I have to shop the big box stores more often
2007-12-16 05:19:01 · answer #10 · answered by firefly 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋