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I have seen some Wal-Mart bashing thread here, and all of them say, "Don't shop at WM because they are bad. WM is bad because ___________" (Fill in blank with favorite reason.)
I don't really like that kind of reasoning. It hits me as if I were being asked to give to still another charity. I don't like having everything I do being political. I'm sorry, but a lot of the time, which is actually most of the time, I just don't want to think about politics. But my wife & I do most of our shopping at our local stores anyway. Here is why I shop locally.
I get better service. My local druggist knows me I gives me better service than a big discount place could ever give. And his prices are almost as cheap. He helped my set up the refill schedules so that I can get all of my & my wife's meds on the one day of the month, ending numerous trips to the store. At my local grocery store, (A small supermarket)the butcher takes the time to tell me how to get the best buys.
Distance. My local stores are only a few blocks away. WM is about 12 miles.
Reputation. I use a local garage. I know he will do a good job at a fair price, and won't cheat me.
I know the people. I just like being able to chat a bit with the checkout person, or the mechanic, etc. It adds a bit to the quality of life.
So instead of avoiding WM, I just like my local places. Works out the the same thing, but the difference in emphasis makes a difference for me.
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