Tracy, that is a great story of how we as people who buy things are thinking of not just the price, but also the story, the purpose, the transaction and the benefit differently. It’s not as simple as just “cheapest” any more.

I like the quote from Sedaris (although I do like shopping online too!) and agree: there can be a real “charm” in having conversations with a shop owner discussing everything from what you’re buying, to how they source their products.

This past week I purposely drove about 45 minutes out of my way to buy a gift for a friend from a particular store. Every product in the shop is American-made; in fact, that’s the name of the business! When I was paying for the item, I chatted with the owner about how long they have been in business (3 years now), and about the various products in their store (from decorative wall pieces, to mustard, to soap, etc.). She told me that it’s common for a local business owner or artisan to “just walk in” with their product and ask to be included on their shelves. Apparently that’s how the small business who made the sign I was buying for my friend got into the shop. I’m guessing it’s a little harder for a small business or artisan to get a chain store to carry their items! (Although, I do know of a small business that got into Wal-Greens by walking in with their product. I suppose their are always exceptions!)

I could have gone to a big box store about 10 minutes away from my house and bought a similar gift for maybe a little less, sure. But I wanted my friend to open a gift that was of better quality and more special because of where it was made (~15 minutes from the shop I purchased it from) AND because of the dedication of the small business who carried it.

The town where this small business is located (Canandaigua, NY) is – I believe – thriving. Of course they are blessed with location (lakeside). I’d love to see some of the smaller towns in western and upstate NY thrive in the same way.

Nice recap of this trend. We certainly concur; see our “In retailing, size DOES matter!” observations from our blog: http://www.retailowner.blogspot.com/2014/08/size-does-matter-advantage-small.html.