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AIBU?

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Original poster

What would make you choose an independent health shop over a big chain?

56 replies

FlowerBee2 · 29/11/2024 08:02

I need a little help, I am starting a health shop. I think it's great to be independent and curate, products with no nasties, but just because I think that's a good idea doesn't mean it will work! What would make you choose a local independent store over a big chain?

OP posts:
friendconcern · 29/11/2024 08:21

Price and convenience to be honest.

BleachedJumper · 29/11/2024 08:20

Being open.

A lot of independent shops issues I find is that they are closed randomly. Once you get a reputation for not being reliably open at convenient times for your customer, it encourages your customer base not to bother attempting to use you.

It’s bloody hard work though being open 6 days a week 8am to 6/6:30pm, so it’s understandable why it happens, but it’s why it’s very hard to compete with large stores unless you have a very specific niche.

username8348 · 29/11/2024 08:17

If they were knowledgeable and reasonably priced.

Atishooo · 29/11/2024 08:16

As much as I like local independents, they tend to be more expensive and never last long on the high street, unless it’s a coffee shop.

As a pp said I would definitely not shop anywhere that pedalled any anti vax agenda, or cancer cures or homeopathic shite.

AuntyEntropy · 29/11/2024 08:12

I'd always prefer to go to a local independent over a big chain as long as it had what I was looking for and wasn't madly expensive.

What would put me off would be any hint of the more sinister fringe beliefs/anti-vaxxer stuff (some health stores dabble in that stuff). I don't mind old-school hippy stuff and the occasional flyer for mad astral healers in amongst the tai chi and yoga.

Catza · 29/11/2024 08:10

Availability of products I need, credibility of the products they stock. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Not just stocking what the big chain is stocking but at a higher price. Shop supporting local makers.