Supporting local business

Bargain_Rzl

The only negative thing I can think of with regard to supporting local businesses is that I think there's a danger of getting confused between "supporting businesses because they are local" (not necessarily a good idea) and "supporting businesses because they are GOOD and local"

Some local retailers don't deserve to be in business, and only survive because they are an easier option than going to the supermarket.

Baker's on my street = deserves to be supported. Four general stores in a 50-yard stretch which charge a premium for basic items and sell super-strength booze to alcoholics = deserve to be boycotted. One of these four I can't bring myself to boycott, as it is a very useful shop which sells practically everything (i.e. if I am baking at 9pm on a Sunday and realise I don't have an ingredient, I know where I can go for it). If they sold organic milk and free-range eggs I'm afraid I'd conveniently forget my moral stance on the subject and shop there for most of my groceries

mymatebob

Bargain_Rzl wrote: »

The only negative thing I can think of with regard to supporting local businesses is that I think there's a danger of getting confused between "supporting businesses because they are local" (not necessarily a good idea) and "supporting businesses because they are GOOD and local"

Some local retailers don't deserve to be in business, and only survive because they are an easier option than going to the supermarket.

Baker's on my street = deserves to be supported. Four general stores in a 50-yard stretch which charge a premium for basic items and sell super-strength booze to alcoholics = deserve to be boycotted. One of these four I can't bring myself to boycott, as it is a very useful shop which sells practically everything (i.e. if I am baking at 9pm on a Sunday and realise I don't have an ingredient, I know where I can go for it). If they sold organic milk and free-range eggs I'm afraid I'd conveniently forget my moral stance on the subject and shop there for most of my groceries

You are so right about the GOOD and LOCAL

I have a local shop that I will not touch as it is a rip off but am lucky to have a choice of several including an excellent fruit and veg place at the end of my street. I am also within walking distance of two large supermarkets so I can confuse my morals all the time