Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
I'm through with Wal-Fart. Need other recommendations.
After watching the documentary "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price", my DH and I were left feeling disgusted by the fact that for years we've been unknowingly supporting a multi billion-dollar corporation that thrives from the suffering of others (their overseas workers, their associates and their families, the communities they come to, the environment, the court system that struggles to keep them in check despite their repeated blatant attempts to avoid any sort of responsibility...the list goes on) so we've decided to buy more of the things we want/need from small businesses in our area that deserve it. We're struggling financially, but the "savings" just isn't worth it anymore.
We're new to the area (we live on the Charlotte/Matthews line) and are learning our way around but I'm wondering if you have any recommendations on where we could otherwise shop? What are some good small/family-owned/morally responsible businesses in this area? Food, produce, home/garden, clothing, gifts...anything. We really want to do something but don't know where to start. Thanks all!
Re: I'm through with Wal-Fart. Need other recommendations.
Good for you! I too have gotten out of most big box stores. I think the other ladies have given you terrific information for your local area. Though I have no idea about your specific area, I always try to "think local." Many communities/new commercial areas these days are being built to accomodate "walkable" neighborhoods. You'd be surprised at how close things are, but don't really realize it--and hopefully with this mindset you'll "discover" some of the smaller businesses in your area. Think to yourself--is there anything close enough to walk to. A mile walk would only take about 15 minutes....and lots of time if you have to "look" for a spot, that mile drive and search for a parking space would take at least 10. Then up your non-car radius. We're lucky in that we have bikes and so some of those places that might be out of walking distance, might still be in biking distance (5 miles-ish). Wear a backpack, and you can carry bigger loads--but the size constraint will also help ask you "Do I really need this?".
You can also check your local chamber or commerce or other business networking organizations for other mom-and-pops in your area.
Good luck!
I don't really have any information, but I do applaud you for not using Walmart any more! I've been very against Walmart for years, but for a completely personal reason. I know everyone has heard of Rubbermaid, but Walmart and Rubbermaid got into a dispute years and years ago, and Walmart in turn refused to carry their items for a while. Basically Walmart would only carry certain colors and items and Rubbermaid was trying to offer them more variety. Well, this disagreement really hurt Rubbermaid, and then Rubbermaid was sold to Newell and the headquarters and large factory (where probably 40% of the city worked) was shut down.
Walmart is like the freaking plague.
This is a great thread!
I am amazed at those of you who haven't had to step foot in one in years! Unfortunately, I don't think I'd be able to do that...without just supporting some other big retailer in the end...but anyway...
I did think I'd suggest finding a local drug store, hopefully there is still one or two left in your area (versus a CVS/Walgreens/RiteAid), sometimes these little local shops will also carry quick/small gift options (I think I've seen vera bradley purses, college team paraphernalia, etc) cards, batteries, etc.
YES! ITA...unfortunately, I'm stuck in the chain drug store rut now because of my allergy medicine--but if there were an independent one anywhere on my side of town, I'd be in like flynn. Up in NY I had an AMAZING local drug store--I could literally do most of my Christmas shopping there--the service was tremendous and the little "extras" they carried were awesome too. I even changed my commute home (when I drove) to go past the pharmacy when they moved to the neighboring town. How I miss it.
My DH works in plastics and used to work for a manufacturing company that snagged a ton of extra work making products for Sterilite (Rubbermaid's competitor) because of their dispute with Wal-Mart. I remember he had heard some details about what went down and, even though it meant more work for his company, was really disturbed by the fact that Wal-Mart could practically shut down a company as large as Rubbermaid. It was kinda shocking and scary (who's next?).
It is disturbing. My hometown still hasn't recovered from it. But when you're as big as Wal-Mart and you refuse to buy items from a supplier, it really will put a dent in the supplier's bottom line. To this day, even though Rubbermaid isn't in my hometown anymore, I'll buy Rubbermaid over Sterilite. I still shop in big box stores, but I can't help it, I love Target. I refuse to shop in Walmart though.
I don't know if Target it, but I love target! And I don't care if I get the stink eye for it! TARGET DOOOOOOGGG!
I'm the only person I know that refuses to shop at Wal-Mart. It's a recent decision of mine, but I feel very strongly about it. My friends and family agree with/already know many of the horrors Wal-Mart has inflicted upon this country of ours (my parents were small biz shop owners forced out by a national chain location that moved up the street) but they all merely shrug their shoulders and say "I can't imagine not shopping there. I need the savings." I try not to judge their choices but seriously...come on. Where did we shop before they came to town? I truly believe it's laziness, which is exactly what WalMart preys upon with their business model and marketing. People don't feel like doing the research to make informed choices, just doing what's cheap and easy. I know because before I woke up, that too was ME. :-(
I looked up a few more places in your area and am giving you the information that I am finding on here.
Local year round farmers market:
http://matthewsfarmersmarket.com/
Also for your meds try going to walgreens instead. They do a lot to help the communities they are in and such. Check out there website for some of what they do.
Also this is the info for another food store that you can try.