Big box vs small business

Let me clarify a little as there are thousands of good reliable people at big box stores who care and work hard every day. Being an independent retailer for over 25 years, I see the advantage most smaller stores can offer. Expertise, reliable delivery, ability to lower pricing and support of your local community.  For me that always comes first when you can! The problem of late is many smaller stores are dying off as larger stores take their business or just no one to take over for generational issues. ABT happens to be a huge family owned  independent store that is a powerhouse. It’s like a shopping mall for appliances and I do hear very good things about them to be fair.  Sears is unfortunately dying a slow death and I am afraid buying there today they may not be able to service you tomorrow.  So, I say shop small business when you can. Their is a misnomer they are more expensive and its usually the opposite. If there are none in your area then of course Lowes, Home Depot etc.

One of my favorite stories I’ll share is when my father worked with me.  A woman came in with her son as she was waiting for the bus and asked about a gas stove.  He was helping her out and she said I’m sorry I need to go as I will miss the bus next one is in 2 hours.  They talked for a while longer and she missed the bus, she ended up explaining how she lost her car and was on a tight budget the stove hadn’t worked in months. He sold her a stove at a great deal,  he then said i’ll be right back and as she went outside to wait for the next bus , I saw him pull up in his car and say to her get in I’ll drive you and your son home and he did.

He’s passed away now but to me that is an old school retailer and an independents retailers heart!