What are the advantages of a neighborhood store?

Answer 1

There are a lot of advantages to having a neighborhood store. It is always stocked with goods that are needed by the different kinds of people living in the area. Children learn early how to shop as these stores are usually in walking or cycling distance from home. Store owners are the first to know when there are strangers in the neighborhood and could be helpful to the police when a crime occurs. You also feel more comfortable shopping in these places because there is usually a friendly atmosphere, the owner knows your likes and dislikes and you are respected.

Some young people had their first work experience after being employed at the local hardware, grocery or clothing store. They were very excited to work in any vacancy that was available at the time. Here they learn work ethics such as punctuality, honesty and responsibility. These stores also finance their pursuit of higher education by hiring the youth from the community. They also support local activities through donations and you can depend on them to promote and advertise the social or game activities.

You may have to pay a few cents more for the items that are sold at these smaller stores as at the large retail stores these items tend to be cheaper. The advantages of paying more exceed the expense. The taxes paid by these establishments are spent in the community. When a business in the community fails, the impact is felt by everyone.

There are also a few disadvantages in having to frequent the neighborhood store. If you have a dispute with the owner, you may not want to shop there anymore or you may be barred from doing so. It is to your advantage to try and settle such disputes if it is possible. These places could also be hives of gossip and what goes on in your home may not be kept as secret as you would like it to be.

Notwithstanding, it is to everyone's advantage to support your local businesses.