I think I've always been an advocate for the independent business. In high school, I supported local theater houses and independent artists at the Sharon Arts Center in Peterborough, New Hampshire. In college, I refused to shop at large record stores, instead opting to buy from independent music stores like Grimey's in Nashville, TN. (I love Grimey's.)
I'm an experience buyer, so the experience I have when searching for a product is just as important as the product itself. Whether I'm walking in or clicking around - I'm taking it all in. Yes, it's true that I've shopped at BIG BOX CO. because cash is tight and I thought "Hey, I can save some 'bones' here." (Bones = Dollar Bills...Well, that's what Gary Vaynerchuk calls them anyways...)
What I found was a miserable experience (and I didn't really save any bones). From the packed parking lots to the trashy aisles to the non-existent customer service, it was awful and everyone knows it. How do I know they know? I haven't see a single person smile in all my shopping experiences at BIG BOX CO. Have you?
Really, I'm not trying to put anyone down here. It's just that I love to smile and see other people smile too. When I decide spend my hard earned money, I want to enjoy the experience of spending it. Plus, it makes me feel good to know I'm supporting my local community - like I'm a part of something bigger than myself. It's that simple.
Where do you shop? Do you have an indie story?
- Sonciary