... but this 'tribute' was too good not to share -->
(hit the Big Box Mart link on that page)





... but this 'tribute' was too good not to share -->
(hit the Big Box Mart link on that page)
I'm in agreement...a definite mixed blessing. Luckily in NYC there are few of them and I can patronize smaller businesses if I choose, but that's not always an option.
"She has written so well, and marvellously well, that I was completely ashamed of myself as a writer...But this girl, who is to my knowledge very unpleasant and we might even say a high-grade bitch, can write rings around all of us who consider ourselves as writers"
Ernest Hemingway on writer, aviation pioneer and horse trainer Beryl Markham
Just a quick aside - I recently spoke with a member of the 12th District Federal Reserve Bank out of San Francisco about inflation. His comment was that he credited WalMart with single handidly keeping retail based inflation in check. Although I recognize the psychological value of supporting the small box alternatives - as an armchair economist - I thoroughly enjoy watching what people do, and not what they say.
It is easy to say that one likes to support the local merchant with their higher prices and smaller selections. And write letters to editors about the dismantling of the old stores. Yet, when provided the opportunity to shop at the big box alternatives, they line up to spend their money.
I personally frequent the local merchent. As a small business owner myself, I recognize their value. However, I do, on occaision utilize the value achieved at big box stores.
Well enough of my musings.
Have a great weekend all.
Dan
As a desk chair economist I mostly agree with Dan, except for the letters to the editor part. I, for one, am sick and tired of people trying to force their views on how to shop on everyone else. I do not shop at Walmart because I think their customer service sucks. I do not mean people waiting around to answer questions, but them not giving me credit for having any value on my time. Lines are too damn long and more thn make up for any small cost savings by squandering my time. Walmart does not drive away all small businesses, and the ones they do are too damn set in their ways and refuse to adapt. People said the same stuff about supermarkets 50 years ago and were dead wrong, the mom and pop store changed to selling convenience items and staying open late. The mom and pop drug store did itself in by think people only go sick from 8am to 6pm. Stores adapt or die. Buggywhip stores which refuse to morp to their customer's lives deserve to die.
PS I love the family hardware store near me. They provide service and have more customers/sq ft than Home depot does, because they are good and make sure clerks do necessary things for customers like know where stuff is, rather than "I think it is on aisle 18".
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