I've decided to stop shopping at big box stores, and start to support mom & pop shops exclusively, unless I otherwise don't have a choice.

I've always tried to shop at mom & pop shops, and eat at mom & pop diners, but I was never really enthusiastic about it. It's just something I've always been told was right.

Moreover, I've never really understood what constitutes a mom & pop shop. For example, this sweet little woman named Doreen in Tampa owned a Robeks smoothie. Obviously a big name franchise. But, the money I spent there very much benefited Doreen and her husband , who worked 7 days a week and were really, honest, decent people.

Also, there's something to be said about being able to walk into a super Target or Super Walmart and be able to buy socks, CD-Roms, groceries, and garden supplies all at the same time. What could otherwise be a 3 or 4 hour affair ends up taking up only about an hour of my day. And I save at least 15 bucks sometimes just doing it at Walmart.
Now, when I think about it though--such instances where I actually NEED all of those things at the same time are exceedingly rare. Also, I simply just can't see myself supporting bix box stores anymore.

My favorite mom & pop operation was a roadside barbeque place on Bloomingdale Ave. in Tampa FL. It's literally s small trailer set up on a gravel lot out in a suburban are in Tampa. But the barbeque was goddamned good. Shit!

My favorite mom & pop store is the Brandon Asian Supermarket. They worked with you to ensure the items you were looking for would be stocked if at all possible.

It just felt good supporting them.

But now... I think I'm going to make it a point to support mom & pop companies. We really need to start returning money back to small business owners. We can't really on government to protect them.

MODS: This is NOT a p&R thread.



So, what's your favorite mom & pop shop?

dupe. You have one here already http://prince.org/msg/100/318938