So many choices for places to shop these days - big box stores, discounters, sales at high-end malls and specialty stores, and of course, the Internet. Everyone's looking for the best deal but what does that really mean? To me the best deal isn't just price; service is the value added that is priceless; and sometimes we overlook what our local businesses have to offer.
New England Appliances on Nason Street in downtown Maynard MA, my old standby for appliances for the past 21 years proved it again this past week. My six year old washing machine that I bought at there (after a terrible experience with a large national chain store) broke over the weekend so I called them to come out and fix it.
Long story short, the problem was a part that had they never seen brake before so it wasn't something they had in stock. Of course, it was two days before Thanksgiving, so we knew it would be a few days before the part would be in. Looked like I'd be spending the holiday at the laundromat - oh well, certainly there are worse things that can happen.
So I packed up my clothes and headed to the bank to get some quarters. While I was standing in line my phone rang; it was Ron, the owner, calling to say that when he got back to the store he checked a machine they had on the floor and the part was the same, so he took it from the floor model and said he could come over and fix it right then! Awesome I said! What outstanding service...
There's no way that Walmart or Sears or any on-line store could or would be willing and able to provide such outstanding service; that is something only a local store can do; and it is truly priceless!
I shop around too, especially in this economy everyone has to. But in the end, shopping locally is the best for quality, service, and yes, prices are competitive, and it;s it good for the town - a win-win for everyone.
Happy Holidays...and please consider our local shops for the holidays and all year long!
