Question

In our Chapter 5 discussions, we spoke about the tensions between big box chain stores like Target, Walmart, Best Buy etc. and local "mom and pop" stores. Please describe this dynamic in the community where you live. Are there more big box or local stores? Which ones do people patronize more? How do they compare in terms of price and customer service

Answer 1

Hi,

Big box chain store- A large physical retail store spread in a wide area or large amount of floor space and a wide array of items are available for sales. This type stores are available in urban and semi urban areas. Like,Target, Walmart

Local Store- Its also known as neighborhood store or street store spread in a small area or small amount of of floor space.This type of stores are available in urban,semi urban and rural area also.

In Big box chain store all things are mange professionally but in local stores things are manages by individual or family or small numbers of staffs.

Question-Which ones do people patronize more and offer better services?

As per my personal experience local store do people patronize more because of several reasons.Likes, mostly they know each other personally,small number of customers at one time at store so, they(owner of the stores) personally interact with people directly and spend more time with the people or customers.They try to understand about the needs and budget of the customers personally and serve to the customers accordingly.

But in big box chain stores employees of the stores do not interact more with the customers.They are busy in maintaining the store.At the billing counter you can face a long waiting hours.But here you have more freedom to walk freely and choose products as per your need. Trial room are also available so it help in purchasing fashion product.

Question-How do they compare in terms of price and customer service-

Price-

Big box chain stores- Mostly a big box chain stores offer more attractive price than local stores. Big box chain stores offer more discount on big-ticket items. They offers big seasonal discount or festive discount to the customers.They also offer low price of many items compare to retail stores. Nothing is free in these store.You have to pay for a carry bag.

Local Stores- Now a day they also provide discount and offer to the customers. seasonal discount or festive discount are also available here for customers.You can bargain here over MRP with the store owner. Some time you can get better price because of personal relation.But sometimes its difficult for local store to compete with big player over pricing. In these store you get free carry bag mostly.

So you can see a gap between price if you will compare each other.

Regarding Customer service i have already discuss above. small -ticket items are not available at big box chain store.At local store you can face a problem regarding method of payment in developing nations.Quality of product at local store is also a big concern in developing country like, India.

This a very competitive world and all are ready for compete each other.