Well, I do as much purchasing as possible in my little town, but most of the
businesses are gone. I get most, if not all my gas there and most all of my
groceries. We also hit the hardware store here. The nearest Wal-Mart
Superstore is about 30 miles away. I make a haul once every other month or
two from Wal-Mart with stuff that I can't get in town. Mostly, though, I
watch the prices in my small grocery and I do well with getting stuff on
sale. I guess I buy stuff locally even if stuff costs a little more than
the big stores. I find that the things I really save money at Wal-Mart on
are light bulbs, rugs, books, underwear, glue traps. The Superstore food
prices aren't that low except on things like nuts and candy. The canned
goods are more, the cold cereal is less. So, I just stock up at my local
grocery when the stuff I need is on sale. Also, I won't drive that far
unless I really need something that they don't have here. By the time I pay
for the extra gas, it's not worth it for me and it helps the local stores.
When I was more strapped for cash, there were no big box stores, so I had to
look for stuff on sale or go without. I have found that I really don't
spend anymore if I buy locally than Wal-Mart, of things available at both
places, if I check the sale prices and don't impulse buy. I do more impulse
buying at Wal-Mart and other big stores than I do at the little ones. Plus,
I want my little store to stay in business.
Tracy Julian
in East North-Central Minnesota
----- Original Message -----
From: "VAN DELL JORDAN" <vdjor AT yahoo.com>
I would be interested in a little feedback. I'm sure
that along with our preference for self sufficiency
most of us are concerned with our local communities.
Or is that just my ideal?