billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Groceries are being delivered in ever increasing numbers. M

stanikon Loc: Deep in the Heart of Texas

I use a small, local hardware store for everything I possibly can, even if it means paying a little more sometimes. They are great people, friendly and very helpful, and give a level of service that the big box stores can't match. Having said that, not everyone feels like I do and I don't know how long they can hang on. They are closed on Sunday so I know they lose some business because of that.

I shop in Walmart maybe once every two or three months, if that often. Even then I only buy what I need - in and out as fast as possible - and nothing more. I make it a point to shop elsewhere simply because of Walmart's strategy of putting mom & pops out of business.

sigo

What’s the store in the KC area?

stanikon Loc: Deep in the Heart of Texas

That's true, but lots of people like me live in rural or semi-rural areas. We can't get delivery out here so we must drive to a store somewhere. There are lots of things you can't get my mail - fresh fruits and vegetables, for example, so there are always going to be stores of some sort for that. Having said that, stores of any size are more and more going to the online/take out concept where you buy and pay for everything online, then drive to the store so somebody can bring it out to you. You don't even have to get out of your car. My wife refuses to use that service because she is a stickler for expiration dates and doesn't want some kid grabbing stuff off the shelves for her, with her not being able to check the dates first.

rb61 Loc: Maple Grove, MN

Shoe manufactures are almost at this point. Small retailers are being told by the big boys (Nike) that mom and pop stores must place a $20,000 minimum order or they can't play.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

Nike is dead in my book, I much prefer Betsy Ross!

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

Just went to Ace Hardware in New Middletown last week. Had what I needed when Lowes did not and didn’t have to beg for help. Gave me a courtesy card and thanked me for coming in. This is now my Hardware Store!!

anotherview Loc: California

Stopped going to them when I saw their rip-off prices compared to the big stores. I am price-sensitive like most others.

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

I bought the same sump pump from Ace for $30 less than Lowes or Home Depot.

anotherview Loc: California

Soon enough, a drone will find you for your delivery.

Fotoserj Loc: St calixte Qc Ca

Lets all keep on buying at Amazon, pretty soon all brick and mortar store will be close for lack of local business

Gallopingphotog

Until about 10 years ago we had a local hardware store. Creaky wooden floors, wooden drawers and bins of screws, nails, etc. Staffed mostly by men old enough to be my father, and just as smart as he was about how to do stuff and what tools you needed to do it. I loved that place. Now we have Lowes and Home Depot. Staffed by people who may not have gone to their first prom yet, are glued to their cell phones, and don't know the difference between a screwdriver and a socket wrench.

Beenthere

Another reason is that those small stores don't seem to pay very well. Here in Phoenix we are down to two and the one closest to me will not deal with you on used equipment, and offer no discounts. I've noticed a frequent turnover in personnel at this store too. It's a narrow position to take, but then you wonder why folks go to the internet where specials are always being offered.., some even invite you to make an offer on a particular piece. Local stores really need to loosen up if they expect to compete.., and I prefer to patronize local business whenever possible. But they give you little choice if they refuse to deal.

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

In our town Home Depot service is better than Lowes but neither is anywhere near the old hardware stores in service.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

While this is sad it will be the sign of the times. Good customer service is extremely rare. It is extremely hard to teach quality costumer care to the new generation of employees. I'll give you some examples that have happened to me. I went into a store to order some ice cream shakes for my wife and I. I waited on line for 5 minutes while the clerk was talking with a coworker about something he saw on TV when my turn came, he started to serve the woman behind me. Then he asked me what I wanted. I placed my order with him. When he asked me to pay I gave him my two cents worth telling him that if he doesn't treat his customers properly, he won't need to come to work. The clerk was clueless. I had also went to buy some groceries. At the register I waited while the cashier was on her cell phone for about five minutes. When she finished her conversation she yelled next. I approached the register and asked her if she had any difficulty returning the items I selected. Then I walked out. She was clueless. I needed to buy a new GPS for my son's car. I went into a store. No one was familiar with that section in the store. I kept getting told to talk to that person over there. After four useless clerks, I walked out. I regularly frequent stores that value me as a customer. In these types of stores there is a person who walks around the store and offers to help customers. These stores offer merchandise which is also slightly lower (yes, lower) than other merchants. Saving money isn't necessisarily my greater concern. Good stores will stay. Less than adequate stores face closing. While I didn't know the store mentioned personally, that may be a concern. As stores fight never ending overhead, on line stores will fill the gap. In all, I like stores where I get great customer service, can ask a boat load of questions that can be answered and can fondle the merchandise.

I'm sorry to hear that a favorite store in St Louis is closing. However if you are in New York City, please look me up and I'll show you some great stores that cater to us.