General Update/Rumour thread [Urban Ottawa]

[phil235]

Originally Posted by lrt's friend

It is really too bad how consumers have become so entranced by big box stores that are so car oriented. Basically, in almost all retail sectors, we demand massive stores with numerous choices. Overall, there is probably less choice, but who notices. This all started when Chapters almost entirely wiped out the small independent book stores, which tailored their selections to the local market and could be located in most retail areas. When I needed an appliance during the pandemic, the local retailer could not even get merchandise because the big box stores were give priority from suppliers. So, not only are we being seduced by big box stores, we are sometimes being forced to be a customer. I used to like buying appliances and electronics from Bleeker's because their staff was so knowledgeable, but the big box stores also wiped out their business. Service means nothing these days. The big box image was all that mattered. It wasn't even necessarily about price. I laugh when people talk about which is the 'best' Walmart knowing that these people will drive across the city to go there.

There are stores bucking the trend. The Audio Shop is still going strong on Bank St. When I bought my last TV they were competitive on price and the service was great. So much easier than driving to a big box. In their quest to save a buck, I’m not sure people even know what they are missing (or how quickly their savings get eaten up in gas).