Local Shopping vs. Big Box: Which is Best?

Big box retailers lure customers with the promising idea of saving money with discounts and deals, particularly by enticing customers to buy in bulk. But are they worth it? Are they helping you save money in the long run, or can you get better deals by shopping at your local "mom and pop" shop? There are a few pros and cons to mom-and-pop shops though, so let’s dig in. 

Pros and Cons of Shopping Local: 

When it comes to shopping, there are pros and cons to both shopping locally and at big box stores. Here are some things to consider when making your decision: 

Pros of Shopping Local: 

The price point is the most critical factor for most customers while shopping for something. Big box stores have been highly successful in the last few decades because of this significant factor of lower price tags. You can save some dollars on electronics, appliances, and other major bulk purchases. But once you are in a big box store, they count on you to make additional purchases you might not even need.  

They will offer you their membership card for $50 - $120 a year for special discounts on selected items which might make you think you will save a lot of money in the long run. But how often do people buy such electronics or appliances to justify that $100 membership in a year? On the other hand, you can visit your local shops for discounts and coupons where you may find a better deal than big box retailers. 

Convenience of Shopping Big Box Stores 

The other factor that has done wonders for the success of Big Box retailers is the convenience offered to the customers. There isn't a single person out there who says he doesn't like convenience. People are busy in their daily lives and don't want to waste their time shopping for household essentials, groceries, or other goods at different stores when they can conveniently get all their desired stuff in one big box store. Most of the time, it's a one-stop shop for all of your needs. 

Quantity at Big Box Stores 

The big box stores will always encourage you to buy in bulk. They do so by putting strategic discounts for the customers to entice them to buy more than they probably even need. Buying in bulk can be beneficial if you have a large family or ample storage space. But usually, people get tricked by the discounted offer to buy more so they can save some extra bucks. But in the long run, the extra bought stuff will be wasted or go wrong in the case of perishable items. 

Shopping Experience 

This is a very subjective matter. Some people prefer the shopping experience of a big box retail store, while others appreciate a local shop's calmness and attention to detail. Let's dig into the experience of shopping in a Big Box retailer. You just arrived in a vast parking space where many people are coming to do the same thing you came to do. 

Everyone's in a rush to get the things they need to return to their lives. You enter the store, dodging the people and workers, trying to go down the aisle to the section of things for what you came for in the store. You walk up and find what you're looking for, but now, you have multiple varieties of the same thing in front of you to decide which is best for you.  

If you have some queries about the product or if you want a different product, you'll have to look for a worker who's designated to that section. If he's busy with the other customer, you'll have to wait. And after all the fuss, you are finally done with your shopping and now moving towards the counter for the checkout.  

Now, you see a huge line of people waiting for the checkout. By the time you arrive back at the car, your stress levels are peaked, and most of your precious time is wasted during this shopping. While in the local store, there's no such hustle and bustle. What is best about going to a local retailer is they have knowledgeable and technical staff who can explain the difference between the products offered, along with their quality, efficiency, price, and materials options. 

Customer Service 

One of the biggest cons of shopping at big box stores is that they do not install the products themselves. All the installation work is usually contracted to the vendors. The customers must go through a thorough and cumbersome application process to prove that they are licensed and insured. The big stores do not regulate the subcontractors.  

The big stores do not require them to comply with the local building code requirements, but they perform their work in customers' homes. In many instances, some big store buys may end up costing you even more money in the long run.  

Any improper or illegal installation of heating or air conditioning equipment, home appliances, and generators can lead to hefty fines. So, whether you are using a contractor assigned by the big box store or hiding by yourself, it is crucial that you check the customer reviews, insurance, and license.  

When you shop at a local retailer that particularly sells and installs the material you need, you are in control of the transaction. You can select the grade of materials you want to install, and you know who your contractor is going to be.  

If you run into any problem, you will be able to communicate with the business directly, and it is also great to support your local businesses as the profits will stay in the community. This service and experience set local businesses apart from those big box stores. 

Local Niche vs. Generic Stock  

The key difference between big box stores and small local retail stores is that big box stores are built on a specific business model that requires them to order every product in bulk. This often results in the stocking of generic products made in bulk overseas and leaves little room for bringing in new, locally produced, unique products to offer.  

Small businesses take advantage of this by offering customers something that they can't get in a big box store. Many small businesses work with the local community artists and retailers to find unique products made in smaller batches, which encourages the customers to get interested in niche goods and gifts that are unique and harder to see rather than all the generic products that they easily find in big box store on a regular basis.