It depends on what you need. Shut the mass retailers out and buy from locally owned businesses. That means buying your can of spray paint from the ACE hardware (many are local franchises) , tube of tooth paste from the Publix (local/regional grocer), and your box of ammo from the Local gun shop instead of grabbing it all at walmart. More stops, longer trips to the store, and typically higher cost.

But what will blow you away is that the people you encounter, the employees and customers alike are much more pleasant and friendly. Those mom and pop shops, including the new hire employees and owners, realize that you are the one who puts dinner on their table.

Another thing that you will notice is the quality of products. Dare we say that Dillon's or HEB might have better meat than Walmart? Hell yes they do. And guess what, You probably have a local butcher shop with better meat than them. I know in my neighbor hood we have an outstanding local butcher shop that has been there since the 60's, same family, fantastic meat and I can pick up bacon wrapped 10oz fillets for $7.00ea every other Friday afternoon.

Massive corporations, can positively spin under performing and failing stores into tax write offs to actually save money. They do not give a damn and it shows with how they interact with you. It shows in how they interact with their employees. How often do you see a truly happy cashier at Walmart?

One last tip, If something you want isn't locally available. Maybe its a Warther chefs knife. Look to purchase it directly from the manufacture or from a U.S. based mom and pop specialty online retailer.

Buy local. I have been for a long while now and its nice having Bill C. (I know his name but I'm not posting it) behind the gun counter every time I go in. When your money goes to a business that employees a neighbor for a fair wage, you are performing a community obligation.