Big-box retailers span the
globe. Though Wal-Mart,
Target and Lowes may
offer great deals, there’s often
nothing unique about big-box
stores. Proponents of Main
Street also note that big-box
stores can’t provide the small
business charm that can make
local neighborhoods special.
Balance is everything, and
that even applies to shopping.
Big-box retailers can feature
in consumers’ shopping plans,
but there’s a place for small
businesses as well. The following
are some strategies to
reduce reliance on national
chains.
• Look at the alternatives
fi rst. Shoppers may look to
big-box stores because they
know what to expect and are
familiar with their goods. But
exploring smaller alternatives
fi rst can turn up some pleasant
surprises. Take walking
tours of the community and
make note of which stores are
available.You might just uncover
COURIER L 20 IFE, NOV. 26-DEC. 2, 2021
a hidden gem.
• Prioritize quality, not
quantity. Big-box retailers
frequently turn to foreignmade
products and can offer
very low prices because
the huge amount of merchandise
they sell enables them to
negotiate lower bulk prices
from suppliers. Mass production
of products may result in
lower-quality merchandise.
Small businesses may pick
and choose their stock, vetting
items before the customer
even does his or her research.
• Ask for recommendations.
Reach out through social
media for recommendations
on small businesses in
the area. Find out where others
are shopping and what
they have to say about certain
companies. You may not have
certain establishments on
your radar and may be pleasantly
surprised at the competitive
prices and outstanding
service provided by local businesses.
• Shop in person. There’s
no denying the convenience
and all-hours capabilities of
shopping online. However, it
denies shoppers the experience
of going into a store and
browsing for products and
getting a true feel for their
sizes and quality. Modern consumers
are no doubt familiar
with the tedious nature of returning
online items that fell
short of expectations. Such
experiences are signifi cantly
less common when shopping
in-store, particularly at small
businesses.
• Competition keeps prices
lower. Big-box retailers may
offer good deals, but over
time those prices may rise as
national retailers command
more control of the market.
A competitive marketplace
It’s not easy, but there are some ways to decrease reliance on big box
stores this holiday season — and beyond! Metro Creative Connection
encourages businesses to offer
lower prices to attract customers.
By shopping a variety
of stores, customers can further
this healthy competition
across the board.
Big-box retailers need not
be ignored. However, consumers
can balance their spending
at big-box stores and small
businesses so they do not become
entirely reliant on national
chains.
— Metro Creative Connection
Shop Local
How to reduce reliance
on big-box retailers
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Our Lady of Grace
Christmas Boutique
Avenue W & East 4th Street -Veltri Hall
(church basement), Gravesend, Brooklyn
Vendors Selling New Items
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Parking Behind Church, Ramp on Side of Hall.
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