Comments on: Why You Should Shop at Mom and Pop Stores

By: Sheila

Sheila — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:45:37 +0000

Thank you for the vote of confidence. I own a Mom and Pop store, and it is a LOT of work. I find that the Wal-mart tends to start carrying every new thing I introduce, which is a bit aggravating. One example, my custom stuffed balloons – the Wal-mart in the next town actually carried pre-stuffed balloons for awhile. I doubt they were cost-effective for them, but it’s just the principle of the thing. My customers came in and told me about it. They were mad and defending me. LOL(I am blessed with great customers). I never believed that Walmart really bothered to gun for small business, but I have to admit, it sure seems like they do.
Marlena, I find that I have more success if I don’t mark down, mark down, mark down. People know what I have, what I offer, and when they want it, they come in. I try to keep my inventory and pricing fairly consistent so they can count on my having what they’ve come for. It isn’t easy, but it is what I’m hoping will keep me afloat through this economy. Though I must admit, with the high unemployment here, the iceberg is ever closer to my little Titanic.
Best of Luck to you.
As for the rest of you, THANK YOU for supporting your local merchants!
Customer appreciation is not just a marketing scheme. For us, it is genuine. We’d be nothing without you.

By: Marlena

Marlena — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 05:32:09 +0000

As a “mom & pop” style franchisee,(loosely held franchise – mostly defined by “buying power of numbers in exchange for a percent of sales) I own and operate a local retail shop, and can tell you nobody cares about anything except the price they pay. The personal pocket book rules, period. Unfortunately that means my business will certainly not thrive, and will likely not survive beyond the end of summer.
Even though ours is a “wholesale” concept, and our customers all brag about our “fabulously low prices” they still don’t buy until we mark items down until we’re actually paying the customer to take the merchandise. These same customers continually tell me that they hope we don’t go out of business. Puzzling that we would have to point out that we cannot continue business if no one buys until they’re sure we are losing money.

By: spicoli

spicoli — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:11:03 +0000

I agree with getfo. I don’t care who owns a store or restaurant as long as I get what I paid for.

By: getfo

getfo — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:50:19 +0000

I just go for the lowest price and better quality. If I want my money to benefit some event or charity, I can donate it directly to them.

By: Rivver

Rivver — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:04:11 +0000

While there aren’t a lot of mom and pop restaurants or stores in my area, there are 3 or 4 local bike and running shops.
As an avid runner I wear pricier running shoes and go through a few pairs a year. I could’ve bought them online for cheaper but the local running store raises money for local charities, holds local races and sponsor many local events. I decided to spend a few extra bucks to support our local running store the way they support us.

By: persephone

persephone — Thu, 21 May 2009 11:37:03 +0000

There are a lot of reasons to demonize big box stores. They take money out of the local community. They are a visual blight on the land. They destroy a community’s look and feel. I would much rather shop in a locally owned business than in a national chain.

By: Rob

Rob — Thu, 21 May 2009 03:18:00 +0000

I can see both sides of this.
I frequent a number of Mom and Pop businesses in my town simply because I am friends with the owners. I realize that I’m paying a bit more for the products and/or services, but I understand why. In a time when so many people seem to be looking for a handout or bailout, I want to do everything I can to reward those with initiative, drive, and work ethic. Besides, establishing and building relationships with people in your community is, ultimately, one of the most important things any of us can do.
For the past nine years, I’ve gone running 4 or 5 mornings a week and then stopped in at the local corner store for coffee and conversation. The cast of “regulars” has become part of my life: the eccentric, wild-haired math professor; the affable home inspector who has “connections” everywhere and a million stories to tell; and the retired gym teacher with an endless supply of one-liners to start your day off right. This is the stuff of life, and you can’t find it just anywhere. So I don’t mind if I have to pay a little more for it.
On the other hand, I don’t know why we, as a society, tend to demonize successful chain or “big box” stores. After all, most of these started off as small enterprises and found a business formula that produced results. Why should we penalize success? If someone has figured out a way to deliver me a product or service at a great price, why should I view them as “predatory”? What’s the message here? Should we tell our kids to aim to be successful — but not TOO successful? So I don’t have a problem doing business with a chain store if they truly offer me a superb value.
I think there’s room for both Mom and Pop and chain stores, and I’ll shop at both.

By: Jackie

Jackie — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:29:12 +0000

In my hometown, the mom and pop restaurants are not better than chains unfortunately. Though breakfast is nicer. There are a few clothing stores, but everything is so expensive that they seem to only cater to the more affluent in town. My family does like to shop at a local flower and gift shop. It is also rather expensive, but the gift items they stock really are high quality and unique. Every once in awhile they’ll have an item you can find at a cheaper Big Box store, but that’s rare.

So it’s a toss up in my hometown. *shrug*

By: disneysteve

disneysteve — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:17:39 +0000

I totally agree with restaurants. We almost never go to chain restaurants. The quality is low and the service leaves much to be desired. Give me a family/chef owned restaurant any day. I’ll gladly pay more for that meal.

I also agree with Chris about mom and pop store hours. They often don’t have evening hours. Many are closed on Sunday. And they can’t compete on price with the chains. Unlike a restaurant where quality and service matter, if I’m buying a widget, I just want the best price.

By: Rajeev Kumar Singh

Rajeev Kumar Singh — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:24:31 +0000

I do agree with you on this.. mom and pop shops also are more willing to do the following
1- Deliver your grocery etc at your home for no charge.
2- Sell stuff on credit to you. This is like buying on credit card without paying any interest.
They might some times be short on variety and brand value.