Quote Originally Posted by zirrow View Post
I wholeheartedly agree. We often forget that the sometimes higher prices we see go to cover the cost of having an item for you to try on or an associate available to answer questions. When someone goes to or calls a shop for these services and then purchases the item online because it's cheaper, they are effectively stealing, at least time, from the shop that provided them service.
Ill echo this sentiment having owned a small business that sold outdoor clothing and gear. In our age of conspicuous consumption it is easy too walk into a store, shop around and then compare prices on your I-toy. Frankly in a mall of megastores that doesnt bother me much because they sell the lines driven by fashion, or the lack of, the almighty dollar and vanity. This is all built on the sweatshops we have created regardless of our knowledge of it. You want cheap running shoes or Northface Jackets dont expect them to have a made in USA label but expect them to be made by USA companies that have been given free reign to profit from the third world and you. As a retailer in the beginning of the dot com era I had people walk into my store wanting attention, fitting and information only to turn to me and say "I can get this item on such and such web site for less, what will you do for me." Usually my answer would be "I wont provide any customer service for you if that item isnt right, thank you for your time but I have other work to do." It is easy to e-shop and find a deal, I have done it at times. But in the realms of things does that really support our local economy. We like to blame China, Pakistan and other countries for ... Im not sure what we blame them for because our countries relocated there for company profits. As a nation we should be outraged and require our jobs back here making goods we consume. This filters down to everything including our food sources. I feed myself and my girlfriend on food we buy, can and freeze from our local farmers market. This is what needs to be brought back to our country, along with a living wage for the people who produce the items. You cant expect a working class to work for nothing then turn around and support the economy. Ill refaim from talking about the well to do that expect a deal that digs into your narrow profit margin every time they buy from you.. The expect this just because.... they are them....