Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Trying to Support A Local Business Can Be Tough

I try to shop as locally as possible and support our local small businesses. Today was my restock the kitchen at work day. Seems food shopping is my theme for yesterday and today. I needed about 5 items and figured I'd pick them up at our local market instead of hitting the grocery store on my way to work tomorrow.

Yesterday I bought a jar of mayo for $2.79. I saw the same jar-brand and size- at our local market for $7.99, yup $7.99. We don't need mayo at work, I just happened to be doing a little comparison shopping. I was more than a bit surprised to see the dramatic mark up between the chain store and the small local market. That's a $5.20 difference!

For most of my office shopping, I'd rather support the local business and purchase our snack food and misc coffee break items there, but the costs have gone through the roof. Our office has a budget too. I can understand that the market's costs have gone up, but wow, what a difference in price between the two stores.

3 comments:

FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com said...

I agree. The markup is ridiculous sometimes. I know they have to make money, but it's a whole difference of $5!!!

And this is on everything too. I don't mind if it's high end mayo for example and only found in that store but... $7.99 is ..wow.

Anonymous said...

I know. It's hard not to shop at the big stores when the price difference is so vast. However I do find that I can find affordable fruits/veggies at my local market shops.

Anonymous said...

We also like to support local business but sometimes financially we find it difficult. I tend to support the local businesses that I actually see supporting the community.