Would you rather buy from Big Box stores or the little guy?

[PRDATR]

Something I came across if you have time to read through it all.

 

http://www.citylab.com/cityfixer/2012/08/why-have-so-many-cities-and-towns-given-away-so-much-money-bass-pro-shops-and-cabelas/2906/

[Snapshot]

I have done business with Cabela's since the 1970's. Always liked them. They probably started out small. I do like giving my patronage to small business when I can. It helps small business thrive, and keeps the money in the local economy.

[AZ8]

Nature of the beast really.

 

Every large business/corporation receives some sort of tax break or incentive. You think Intel in Chandler built their latest 5 BILLION dollar expansion on their dime? Hardly. Millions of dollars in tax breaks helped that project move forward. Every large car dealership along major shopping corridors receive the same. Don't forget about Walmart. Millions in incentives to build.

 

Mom and pop stores also compete with online merchants. The shopping dynamics have changed. Unfortunately, the small shops are the ones on the short end. It's hard to compete.

[DesertBull]

The effort to raise the minimum wage is backed heavily (and secretly) by big box. They can absorb the cost. Mom and pop cannot.

[camoremi]

The effort to raise the minimum wage is backed heavily (and secretly) by big box. They can absorb the cost. Mom and pop cannot.

 

X2

[Snapshot]

We will see how raising the minimum wage to $15.00 PH, in Washington (Seattle) will work for them. Your $4.00 coffee just doubled to $8.00. A person flipping burgers in Micky D's, will be making as much as some skilled blue collar guy's.

 

Everyone buy's stuff where it's the cheapest. But if we support small business, it will help keep them afloat. I am an ex small business owner, crushed by the implosion of 2008. I know how it feels to go under. I hate to see that happen to good folks.

[rossislider]

All things being the same (price being the biggest of them) I'd prefer to give my money to the little guy. I shop Bass Pro at times for convenience as it is a couple of miles from my office, but I am not a big fan of their service. They have a few really good reps. But in my experience with them, take their gun counter for example, I usually know substantially more about their products then they do. When I worked in retail years ago, I considered it my responsibility and a point of pride to know more than my customers about my products. I don't find this very often at the big box store guys. If I go to a big box store it is usually because I don't require any assistance or knowledge about my purchase, and because their price is much better. If I need help, I'll go to the little guy. Fortunately, I rarely find that Bass Pro's prices are much better than the little guys.

[mattys281]

I honestly dont know how small shops keep their doors open. I tried to open a small archery shop several years ago and quickly found my wholesale prices were as much or more than c abelas and bass pro shops retail prices. I would never try it again in this corporate country. I like to stick with small business when it s feasible.

[azslim]

I go out of my way to buy from small stores and will pay a few dollars more, I also look for gear made in the USA, same deal - will pay more for it rather than cheap junk from China.

[bojangles]

it's like this, if jeremy at chasin' a dream outfitters doesn't have it, and i can't find it at a yardsale, i don't need it. I routinely take me kids to bass pro, take advantage of every free thing they have, and walk out the door and don't spend a dime. they don't need my money.

[Curtis Reed]

Whomever has the cheapest price. When I buy something, I look for the cheapest price online and click 'add to cart'.

[Benbrown]

Not much choice available where I live, so I go with the local gun store for firearms buys, and a couple of outdoor stores up in Silver City for most other stuff. I do buy from Cabelas and Midway on the net because they have a lot of stuff that the local stores don't carry. However, the handling and shipping add-on costs don't make that very economical unless you order several hundred dollars worth of merchandise. I will drop in Cabelas or Bass Pro if I am in a town where they have a store, but usually don't buy much but clothing, and not much of that. I do enjoy browsing the gun libraries at Cabelas, but have never bought a firearm from them.

[Coach]

IMO, both are falling further behind each day. Most Americans these days are buying more-and-more online. Amazon Prime, is a "prime" example. It used to be that Amazon.com was a good place to buy books. Now we are buying our clothes, basic need things like tools and recreation equipment, even food items from Amazon. Wal-Mart owned the area of "everything in one place" for a long time. Now Amazon has everything in one place - your keyboard - with fast and free shipping, better selection and lower prices than even the box stores can offer.

 

My $.02

[AZ8]

IMO, both are falling further behind each day. Most Americans these days are buying more-and-more online. Amazon Prime, is a "prime" example. It used to be that Amazon.com was a good place to buy books. Now we are buying our clothes, basic need things like tools and recreation equipment, even food items from Amazon. Wal-Mart owned the area of "everything in one place" for a long time. Now Amazon has everything in one place - your keyboard - with fast and free shipping, better selection and lower prices than even the box stores can offer.

 

My $.02

I agree completely. Amazon is out to rule the world. Heck, they even convinced the US Postal Service to sign an exclusive contract to deliver their parcels on Sunday!

[DesertBull]

Amazon website runs 24/7 worldwide handling thousands of transactions every minute

 

Healthcare.gov........not so much.