Many people talk about big box stores hurting local small businesses. They don’t. We hurt those businesses when we abandon them. I’ve heard some say that they can’t afford to pay higher prices at the small stores, when they have an alternative. The product is not all you’re paying for at the small store. You pay a small premium to talk with someone who knows about the products. You can ask them to get in special items for you. Once you find something you like and buy it regularly, your local merchant knows that and stocks it. Big box stores make stocking decisions far away in a corporate headquarters somewhere, and they don’t know you. You develop a relationship with a local merchant who learns your preferences. Your local hobby shop can recommend products based on experience. These things have value. I remember once when my wife really wanted those florentines they have at Ralph’s, a

nd they didn’t have any. I called and they made some. Try that at Walmart. All of these businesses have value. I get that we may shop some items at the big stores out of economic necessity. Those stores may get items in that smaller businesses don’t carry. The fact remains though, if we want local stores, farms, and markets to exist, we have to support them. Buy local when you can. Only you can save the economy and create local jobs.

https://www.eagletimes.com/news/smaller-crafts-and-hobby-shops-cope-in-the-age-of/article_0f5f5e1a-ca8c-11e8-924d-bb9262a3224f.html