So much of our well being depends on the retail industry. And now, there is a struggle.
 |
| Johnson City, New York, about 5:55 am November 24, "Black Friday" |
This year, when I shopped at chain stores, I realize that they employ locally, at least at their physical locations. For example, I have a relative who works at Home Depot, (not the one pictured), a job he obtained after losing his job as an electrical engineer. Was it wrong for me to be on that line in the photo?
But:
I got my mother in law her holiday gift online (at the website of another big box store), and I bought a part of her overall gift from Amazon. (I can say that because she received her gift early).
I don't feel there is a right answer anymore. I seem to be doing the wrong thing no matter what.
Do I shop at big box stores, and try to buy American made where possible?
Do I shop at local small businesses, who might be selling merchandise made overseas? (I did shop at a local business on Black Friday, for what that is worth).
Do I not buy online, when it is so convenient, and saves me time and gas?
Do I not buy at all, and destroy the American and world economies?
Is everything I know about shopping wrong?
Well, gee. I'm a little disappointed in this post. I mean, you raise some great points, things we should be more conscious of and think about. But...I was hoping you had the ANSWERS!
ReplyDeleteI don't have the answer. If I say "shop local" many times these local businesses are selling goods made in China (not always). We even had a "local our area only" type business, and the last time I went in there, they were selling local stuff, and stuff made thousands of miles from here. On the other hand, I've seen local stuff sold in big box stores.
DeleteIt is so hard to know what is right anymore: the world is so interconnected, and there’s injustice and want everywhere.
ReplyDeleteI try to shop local, but I live on a tiny island which imports most of it food, so...
That is hard, being in that type of community. I was amazed years ago when I visited Alaska and saw some of that in action.
DeleteHi Alana,
ReplyDeleteThe world is changing. I think society will change with it without hurting American economies. For example, while brick and mortar stores are becoming more obsolete, Amazon is opening new centers and employing new staff members. I only buy American-made cars, so I am with you but our refusing to buy from Amazon won't change things.
Janice
We've had great change before - it isn't always easy to get through. Some people are bettered, some must find new ways to make a living. Take the auto replacing the horse, for example. But we do survive. We always will. I haven't stopped shopping at Amazon, but I do compare prices more carefully now.
DeleteSpending money, either at a local small shop, a big-box store, or at Amazon, is supporting businesses that hire people, so regardless of where you spend it, it's going to be good for someone. Even in situations where you're buying something made in another country, you're still buying it from an American retailer.
ReplyDeleteWhat's right? I don't know. Retail is not doing well due to online competition, so buying in stores keeps jobs for the locals. You can buy handmade online (like on Etsy), and that supports micro businesses. I guess the right answer is to spend money when you have it. It helps someone.
ReplyDelete