Where do you shop?

I have recently decided big box stores make me anxious. I am trying to avoid them but it's difficult. Where do you shop?

I don't mind going to the bookseller to buy a book or journal but I don't spend time there anymore.

Wish the smaller grocery stores were less expensive.

It's pretty much impossible not to go to the big box stores where I live.

I believe some places have a delivery service now. Walmart has started the service, I think. You can buy nonperishables online at places like amazon. Maybe that would help?

Yeah, it is really difficult to avoid big box stores. It is partly I don't like giving them my money because I am beginning to feel they are selling cheap products. I just decided this very recently. I don't have a good delivery system in place. Maybe the answer is to buy less?

I don't know whereabouts you live, but here there is an app called instacart. You put in what groceries you want and they get them and deliver. It works with most stores, I think, but I've never used it. I just know their employees annoy me when I'm trying to shop, cuz they don't pay attn and are in a rush since they're on a time limit, I believe.

I think Uber also has something where they will pick up carryout food and bring it if the restuarant doesn't deliver...

Might be an option.

Also for clothes and such, there are thrift stores. Usually smaller, but sometimes can be more expensive.

Also, maybe amazon prime?

ah yes, amazon prime...that's a good suggestion. I'll look into it...

I think I am going to try going to smaller stores, too.

Thrift stores...another good suggestion...thanks.

Good luck finding smaller stores. There are mom and pop shops still around if you look hard enough, although they can be really expensive.

I try to shop at local stores as much as I can and buy items made in 1st world countries. Ever since I got into clockmaking and machine shop I have became very aware of the enormous amount of goods made in Asia. E.g., China. There is a huge difference in tools made in the USA, Canada and Switzerland than in China. I'm willing to pay for quality, because better made tools last longer and produce superior results. Trade tools are not sold in places such as Home Depot and Canadian Tire. I have to purchase from specialty retailers.

My city has a lot of stores that are independently owned. Some are really unique. Out in the suburbs it is harder to find those kinds of shops. There are some many SmartCenters now. Variety is disappearing.

I also like shopping at thrift stores for clothing and dishes and online. I get my groceries from the neighborhood Independent. Sometimes I buy food at Walmart, because it is cheaper.

I shop at a big chain market for groceries but this is because it is only a block away. All other shopping is at small independents and online.

amazon

and for groceries, iceland online delivery

I've not been to a store in years

Actually, I think I want to avoid big box stores because I think they are a rip-off in the long run. When I shop at them I buy things that weren't on my list just because they are on sale. So I don't think it would satisfy me to just order from them online as I am assuming there is added cost for delivery.

I think I am going to make a specific list and then just price check and maybe order some things online.

I think I am going to try to go local as much as possible. And soon the Farmer's Markets will open.

It is important for my mental health that I eat well so I am looking at what I eat...trying to go more organic on certain things such as apples. Yeah, I think that is the bottom line. I am beginning to pay more attention to what I am putting in my body and don't want a lot of chemicals.

Do you buy organic coffee??? I drink a few espresso pots of coffee daily and think maybe I should go organic.

My community has a few independent stores. They are a little more out-of-the-way but it might be well worth it to visit them. I have noticed that some of them are bringing down their prices, have sales, and with careful shopping they might be competitive with big box stores. I like that independents have more local produce, too.

I buy almost everything, including clothes and groceries online. I'll only go to a grocery store if I need something my online store doesn't carry or if I need something specific between orders.

splitimage

I buy most everything online, excepting some clothes and food. We buy organic at the supermarket, because my daughter's boyfriend works there and we get his employee discount. I have a hard time fitting clothes so I like to try them on first.

I'm in UK and here it's still pretty expensive to pick up organic fresh food. We have markets and farmers markets, those tend to be nice quality produce, although not always organic.

Do you have an option to have a go at growing your own stuff at home? If you don't have a garden you can grow smaller stuff such as garlic, chillies, tomatoes and salad stuff in boxes in a sunny spot. Not exactly an all year round solution but fun to do and you know what goes into it.

No, I don't have the means to garden now. I was a gardening teacher in the elementary school system, and ran community gardens and had my own extensive gardens for years. Those days are over. I live in apartments now. I have tried gardening in big clay pots but it doesn't suit me. Where I presently live I don't get much sun because of other buildings blocking the light on my porch. When I gardened a lot I lived in a tropical climate. Now I live in a temperate zone with a very short growing season.

I think I am trying to find the best way to be a good consumer. Of course in both the US and the UK we have an obesity epidemic. I think big box stores contribute to it. They sell a lot of junk. Of course I don't have to buy the chocolate Easter bunnies that stare me in the face at the big box store...but holiday stuff is always near check-outs. It just tempts you. That's why these stores make me anxious. I hate the way everything is always in my face.

I think I am going to do price comparisons. It may be that some smaller groceries are getting more competitive price-wise, which would be a good thing.

Also, if I cut out all the treats and junk I could probably afford more organic.

I think this is an issue those with mental health problems need to address. Certain fruits contain a lot of pesticides, for instance, such as apples, and it is advised to always buy organic apples. Certainly cutting down on chemicals is something those of us battling mental health issues really need to consider.

Doesn't peeling the apple help get rid of the chemicals in the apple?

I go to Aldi, if feeling anxious. The prices are good, and the stores are tiny, and not that swamped if you go during the middle of the day. They also are carrying more organic food lately.

I really don't know. I have to become more educated about all this.

We don't have that store where I live but we have what I might call mini box grocery stores. Yeah, I need to frequent them more. Thanks.

I just went to the booksellers. Chain store but not too big. Also has a Starbucks. Problem is in that area of the city there are a lot of homeless and they come in and park all their stuff and take up all the seats. So I didn't stay. Got a coffee and went out and sat in my vehicle to drink it and look at the book I purchased. I can really see why people here have started to do the majority of their shopping online. I may be headed that way...