Community Chat

[Reever]

Today is Small Business Saturday. Is anyone refusing to shop at the Big Box Stores or QVC?? I am hestitamt to shop small businesses because the prices are usually steeper at these stores. I usually shop at Big Lots, Kohls or QVC. Very rare to shop a small business in my household.  Does anyone here shop local ??

[proudlyfromNJ]

The town I live in is very supportive of our small businesses.

[Quse]

I'm finding I shop more and more at local businesses, even if it's their online sites. I didn't set out to do so so mindfully, I just find I am starting to.

I have always purchased from a local jeweler, because I like him and he does a lot of custom work with cool, celtic designs. I also buy from a local store that sells sporting goods because I like the family and try to support them staying around.

I still spend quite a bit at big boxes, but am enjoying Etsy more lately too. Just depends on what I'm looking for.

I refuse to support the actual "Small Business" campaign because it was started by American Express. And they are NOT small business friendly.

[Snowpuppy]

I'm so over Big Box anything! I refuse to walk thru 100,000 sq ft of space, past little girl's dresses and junque kitsch just to get a gallon of milk.  Toothpaste is on the other end of the store, of course.

I go to my local butcher and a small bulk store that has great locally grown produce and organic milk.

I've noticed that some stores locate their "buy online, pick up in store counter" at the back of the store in the desperate hope that you'll buy a few more things than planned.

[chrystaltree]

We have a nice town square shopping area, it's all small businesses and I roam around and shop almost every Saturday.  Sometimes I buy something, sometimes I don't.  But I will not and never will over spend on an item.  My own pocket book comes before someone elses's.  It's a lovely day but  I won't go up to the square to shop today because the "amateurs" will be out and  since it's a lovely day, parents will be out with hordes of little kids and baby carriages.  Also the "Looky Lou's" who are just looking with no intentions of buying anything will be clogging up the little stores.  

[Meowingkitty]

If I like an item and the price is right I’ll buy it wherever. Phoenix is the land of big box and chain stores except for downtown Glendale and Scottsdale. Same with restaurants. We have some I’m sure but they can’t compete with the big guys.

[ID2]

Small business Saturday is huge here! It really is a great time for the local businesses to shine! 

[gidgetgh]

Here’s where I have shopped today:

Bath and Body Works

Talbots

The Container Store

locally owned Hallmark store, not a corporate store

local bbq restaurant. 

[momoftwo2007]

We have a local small business bookshop and toy store.  I don't visit them often (like you said, the prices are not as good as big box store), but I will stop by once a year and purchase something to support them.

[magicmoodz]

As someone who gets anxious in a mall or any big box store, I will opt for small businesses whenever possible.  

I didn't venture out for Black Friday shopping yesterday.  Instead my husband and I are leaving soon to visit a few local small shops, stop for a drink and appetizers and then return home to decorate for the holidays.  A perfect day!