Couple of weeks back, in a TV reality show 'Neeya Naana' (You or Me), topic of discussion was whether we will go to big shops or small shops for shopping. Shopping can be anything, may be Groceries, cookeries, dresses, jewels or for that matter anything. Most of the speakers shared that they will go to big shops for purchase citing ambiance, price, quality, variety and citing many reasons
Incidentally, i happened to read an article about local economy, wherein the plight of small traders are mentioned. It is true that we will have better shopping experience in big malls. However, the small traders near our house has kept his shop open thinking that we will buy from him and his business also thrive
My father use to tell me about taking care of local economy. He told me once, not to buy a new pair of chappals, if the old one can be repaired, so that cobblers can get their bread for the day. Purchase some of your grocery requirements from the provision store near your house, so that he also can survive the onslaught of super markets. Be it vegetables or fruits or dresses, give your due share to the local vendor
I tried this and it was working fine for me. For the past 2 years, i go to the local shop near my house (Vanaja Textiles) for the dress requirements and even the dress requirement of my son's Upanayanam was met by this guy. I purchased a pair of shoes recently and it was from the shopkeeper in my street. I could see some satisfaction from the faces of these guys and it also saves me money and effort of going to big crowded shops or supermarkets and malls
Good thing about the local shop keeper is that, if your brand or color is not available, they take pains in getting it for you. This personal care you will not get in a big mall. For big stores, you are 1 among the thousand and for this small shopkeeper you are godsend
Let us help the local economy to thrive
