patronize local businesses as much as possible

I detest going into Target now, or Cub Foods, or any other sprawling super mega store. The whole time I’m in there I’m thinking of what a waste of time they are as I walk 13 miles from one end to the other through the throngs of happy shoppers. Since putting up this goal I have been going into these places less and less. Though I maybe pay more (edit: or not) at local establishments, the convenience of just popping in, popping out, and knowing that more of my dollar is circulating in the local economy is soooooo worth it.

at a local store. They have several locations in the Cities. I really, really like that store – last year when I bought of pair of Dansko clogs ($120), I bought the wrong size. Wore them outside – no!!!!! I thought I was seriously out $120. But they took them back. And right there, I knew I needed to patronize them. So I went back, and it was very tempting to try on a bunch of shoes and then go buy them online. But a few years ago, one of my favorite bookstores closed, and I realized I’d never helped them, because I always did that . . . I contributed to their demise, or at least didn’t contribute to their success. So I really knew I needed to buy at this shoe store. She helped fit me with insoles so the shoes would fit right, and also stretched them so my toes wouldn’t hit the top. What chain or online store would do that? Zero. I probably paid more, but it was worth it.