Comments on: Store Loyalty in a Down Economy

By: Carol

Carol — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:56:11 +0000

I think providing reasonable prices that fit consumers needs in this devastating economy is the ultimate form of “customer service”. I have stopped shopping at my usual grocery store, even though it has wonderful employees and just beautifully remodeled everything because the prices are just too high (almost $8 for a 5lb bag of apples! Not organic either.)

By: Sue

Sue — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:33:43 +0000

Unfortunately, you have bought into the mentality that marketers have sold us Americans for decades, that being “serviced” is more important that your money in the bank. Or that shopping is about an “experience” instead of getting what’s needed to take care of ourselves. Until we get over shopping as some kind of “experience” in and of itself, we won’t be able to save either money or the planet. Having a great time with friends and family is a “pleasant experience”. Creating art, riding bikes, reading a book, living your life is a “pleasant experience”. Elevating “shopping” to this level is part of the reason Americans overspend, we all believe we should be catered to. Shopping is not living.

By: lizajane

lizajane — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:49:58 +0000

I usually stick with a combination. The big box store will match sale prices from the local grocery stores, but I prefer to buy in those cases from the local store that advertised the price to begin with. Now, I might go ahead and purchase other items that are on my list from the big box store because they are cheaper there, so I’m not really being loyal to the local store.

By: Molly's mum

Molly's mum — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:53:56 +0000

I’m a total store snob, and like you, it’s not about high end stores, or the best price. Like familyof8, I’m biased toward the locally owned stores. The more of my money that stays in my community, the better, as far as I’m concerned. I avoid big box stores like the plague, for many reasons.

I like that feeling of being a “regular” somewhere; or, at least, of it mattering to someone that we’re there to support their business and make a purchase.

Almost every dollar I spend goes to a locally owned business — restaurants, clothing and other purchases, and groceries to whatever extent that’s possible. So yes, I’m a store snob.

By: Pretty Cheap Jewelry

Pretty Cheap Jewelry — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:43:51 +0000

As far as groceries, it is supreme habit that gets me back to the same store, even within the same chain.

Why? I know where things are and can get in and out with less time and effort. I shop their sales and coupons anyway.

How disconcerting to go to a different grocery and everything is in a different place. UGH.

By: familyof8

familyof8 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:13:19 +0000

I find I am shopping more often at local owned stores now than the big chains. Even when it costs a few more dollars, I feel like our “local economy” is more important.