Buying from a chain store is not as local as buying from a company that owns two local hardware stores (one of which is in Waterbury). Of course, an automotive product will be less expensive at a store that just sells automotive parts (especially when it is the house brand), just as a bottle of aspirin will be cheaper at the drug store than at a grocery store or convenience store. At least, you could compare to the cost at Fisher Auto Parts (at Fiddler's Green).
Did you know that Bisbee’s Hardware sells many different brands of appliances at a cost that meets or beats the cost at many of the big box stores in Burlington (and delivery is free and much easier to schedule). Did you know that the Village Grocery sells very pleasant wines at a cost that is hard to beat anywhere else? Did you know that the cost of meat at Mehuron's is less than at the Shaw’s chain across the street (and the rest of their prices are competitive)? Allen Lumber (with only four locations) cannot compete against Home Depot with lumber product pricing, but the quality is better and the service is far better.
By the time you drive to Waterbury or Williston to buy from a major chain, how much have you really saved after you include gas and wear and tear on the car and your time? What if you get a defective product? There is another trip up to Williston. If we all go out of town to save a dollar on an item, we are sending more dollars out of state and there will be no more local businesses with their local service to serve you. There is the true value of shopping locally.
Brad Cook
Warren
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