I'm curious about how you all navigate the choice between supporting local hardware stores versus saving money at big box retailers. My town has an amazing hardware store that's supposedly one of the best in the country—definitely my go-to for random small items. However, the prices can be steep, like paying $18 for a pack of screws when the big box store just a couple of miles away sells them for $10. It's a common dilemma, not just for hardware, and I'd love to hear how others balance the desire to keep money in the community with the need to save cash on essentials.
4 Answers
I’ve shifted away from just supporting local businesses blindly because I've realized some of them can't compete in markets like customer service and product quality. I'll pay a little extra for local when it’s worth it, but if the big chains have better products, that’s where I’m headed.
I stick with my local Ace store most of the time—it's about 4 miles away and has been my go-to for years. True, the big box stores have some lower prices, but Ace offers the convenience of buying small quantities, and the staff knows me well. It's nice to have that personal touch.
I usually go to the smaller store, especially if I’m in a rush and need just a couple of items. If I’m working on bigger projects, though, I hit the big box for bulk needs. I agree that customer service is often much better at local shops, and I appreciate that.
I feel you on this! I usually shop based on what I need. For small items like a box of screws, I’d gladly spend the extra to support the local store. But if I’ve got a long shopping list, it’s off to Lowe’s or Home Depot for me. Just gotta weigh the convenience against the price sometimes.