Big-Box Outlets vs. Mom-and-Pop Stores: Where Do You Shop?

As installs its mega-fuel center along Broadway, the city is losing a little more of its small-town feel.

Lemon Grove is a curious mix of family-run businesses and fast-growing corporate outlets. The city is approaching a crossroads where it needs to decide if it wants keep the more personal shopping experience of the mom-and-pop store, or opt for the convenience of the impersonal big-box outlet. These days, I see a lot of independent stores that are going out of business on Broadway.

One can find merit on either side of this issue. Personally I like places where you can get the help you need when you need it, instead of standing around with a confused look on your face until someone finally notices you.

At a big-box store, this is generally the case. You have to hunt down the staff, and then you often end up with two employees staring at you with blank expressions. What we are missing when we frequent the big boxes is personal service—the kind of service where they know your face, maybe call you by name and might even know your past purchase history without looking it up. This is quality care that can never be matched by having an employee watch a corporate training video.

But it’s not all honey and roses at the mom-and-pop places, either. Often there is less of a selection and higher costs due to the fact that they don’t buy merchandise in bulk like the big guys. They might not be open that Sunday night, and you may spend more time and gas visiting different stores because no one store has it all.

I am prejudiced against the big-box stores, but it doesn’t stop me from shopping at them. I like to save money as much as the next guy.

For convenience, selection and price, you go to the big boxes. These stores generally open earlier, close later and even have shopping on holidays. But you may have to fight the crowds, and parking could be an issue. The corporations just get richer, and one more small local business, struggling to survive, has to close.

Who is getting the money should be a factor. I try to pick my corporations wisely, based on their company model. Are they paying it forward to the community and the employees? This is something you should ask. Local is also good—two big-box stores that started in San Diego are Costco (originally called Price Club) and Sprouts/Henry’s, right here in Lemon Grove.

All things considered, I prefer the personal vibe of shopping at a smaller store. If you have a bad experience at a local shop, there’s always another you can try around the corner—at least for now. At the big box, you come for the box—not for the people inside.

A facelift is needed for our Downtown Village area. It would be a trendsetting idea for the Grove, and a mecca for the small business owner. Imagine a pedestrian- and bike-friendly place to hang out with vibrant shops and cafes next to the trolley station.

Am I hoping for too much? If there is a will, there is a way … so they say.