At a Glance:
Why Shop Local for Appliances?
Local Appliance Store vs Bix Box: Pros & Cons
Which is Better: Local Appliance Store vs Big Box
When it comes to purchasing appliances, the decision between shopping at a big box store or a local appliance store is a common dilemma. On the surface, big box retailers might appear to have the upper hand with their extensive selection, numerous locations, and flashy sales.
However, as more consumers prioritize quality service, expertise, and community support, local appliance stores are gaining traction as the superior choice.
In this article, we’ll delve into why choosing a local appliance store vs big box could be the best decision you make, both for your household and your community.
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See LocationsWhy Shop Local for Appliances?
When you're in the market for a new appliance, it’s easy to assume that a big box store is your best bet. After all, these stores are everywhere, and their advertisements boast low prices and a wide range of products. But what you may not realize is that local appliance stores offer benefits that go far beyond what a big box store can provide.
Local stores pride themselves on personalized service, offering you not just a transaction but a relationship. Unlike big box stores, where you might feel like just another number, local appliance stores treat you like a valued customer.
The staff in these stores often have years—sometimes decades—of experience in the appliance industry. This expertise means they can offer advice tailored to your specific needs, helping you find the best appliance for your home rather than the one that’s easiest to sell. Moreover, shopping local doesn’t just benefit you; it benefits your community. Local stores contribute to the local economy, supporting jobs and keeping money within the community.
Many local appliance stores also go the extra mile to ensure their prices are competitive, often matching or even beating the prices of big box stores. Learn more about the local stores’ ongoing weekly discounts in our current ads.
This means you don’t have to sacrifice cost for quality or service. In fact, when you shop local, you might be surprised at the deals you can find—often with the added bonus of superior customer care.
→ Learn more: Vegas's Best Appliance Deals: How to Save
Local Appliance Store vs Big Box: Pros & Cons
Making an informed decision requires understanding the pros and cons of shopping at both local appliance stores and big box retailers. Here’s a breakdown to help you weigh your options:
Local Appliance Store Pros
✅ Personalized Service: Local stores are built on relationships. The staff are not only knowledgeable but also invested in ensuring you have a positive experience. They take the time to understand your needs, preferences, and budget, offering recommendations that are truly in your best interest.
✅ Expert Knowledge: Local appliance stores often employ individuals who have spent years in the industry. This deep expertise allows them to provide you with detailed information on the products they sell, including the pros and cons of each appliance, tips on maintenance, and advice on how to get the most out of your purchase.
✅ Community Support: When you spend money at a local business, a significant portion of it stays within the community. This supports local jobs, contributes to local taxes, and helps to create a thriving local economy. In contrast, spending money at a big box store often means that the profits go to a corporate headquarters far away, with little benefit to your local area.
✅ Competitive Pricing: One of the biggest misconceptions about local stores is that they are more expensive. However, many local appliance stores offer prices that are competitive with, or even lower than, those of big box stores. Additionally, local stores are often willing to price match, ensuring that you get the best deal without compromising on service.
✅ Quality Selection: Local stores tend to carry a carefully curated selection of products. Rather than overwhelming you with hundreds of options, they focus on stocking high-quality, reliable appliances from trusted brands. This means that when you shop local, you’re more likely to find a product that meets your needs and stands the test of time.
Local Appliance Store Cons
❌ Limited Selection: One of the most significant drawbacks of shopping at a local appliance store is the limited selection. Unlike big box stores, which carry a wide variety of brands and models, local stores may have fewer options. However, this is often offset by the quality and reliability of the products they do carry.
❌ Potential for Higher Upfront Costs: While many local stores offer competitive pricing and price matching, there can still be instances where their prices are slightly higher than those of big box stores. However, this often comes with added value in terms of service, expertise, and product quality.
Big Box Store Pros
✅ Wide Selection: Big box stores are known for their vast inventory. If you want to see a large variety of brands and models in one place, a big box store might seem like a convenient choice.
✅ Convenience: With locations nationwide, big box stores are often easily accessible, making it easy to drop by and browse.
Big Box Store Cons
❌ Impersonal Service: Big box stores often prioritize volume over quality, which can result in impersonal service. The staff might be less knowledgeable and less invested in ensuring you find the right appliance for your needs.
❌ Inconsistent Quality: With a wide selection comes the risk of encountering lower-quality products. It can be harder to discern which appliances are truly worth your money, especially if the staff is unable or unwilling to provide detailed information.
❌ Minimal Community Impact: When you shop at a big box store, most of the money you spend leaves your community. This contrasts sharply with the positive economic impact of supporting a local business, where your dollars help to sustain local jobs and services.
6 Reasons to Shop Local
As we’ve touched on, shopping local has its benefits – but if you’re not convinced, here are 6 more reasons to shop local for appliances:
#1. Expertise and Experience
Local appliance stores are staffed by individuals with deep knowledge of the products they sell. This expertise is invaluable, whether you’re choosing between different models, troubleshooting an issue, or seeking advice on installation and maintenance.
The staff’s experience means they can provide insights and guidance that you won’t find at a big box store.
#2. Personalized Attention
At a local appliance store, you’re treated as a valued customer, not just another sale. The staff takes the time to understand your specific needs and preferences, offering tailored recommendations that big box stores simply can’t match.
This personalized service often results in a more satisfying shopping experience, where you feel confident in your purchase.
#3. Supporting the Community
Shopping local has a ripple effect that benefits your entire community. When you buy from a local store, you’re helping to keep jobs in your area, supporting local suppliers, and contributing to the economic health of your community.
This local focus helps to create a vibrant, thriving community where businesses and residents alike can prosper.
#4. Competitive Pricing
The myth that local stores are more expensive than big box stores is just that—a myth. Many local appliance stores offer prices that are competitive with, or even lower than, those of big box stores.
They also provide added value in the form of superior service, expert advice, and a more personalized shopping experience. And with many local stores willing to price match, there’s no reason to assume you’ll pay more when you shop local.
#5. High-Quality Products
Local stores carefully select the products they carry, focusing on quality and reliability.
This means that when you shop at a local appliance store, you’re more likely to find appliances that are built to last and come with the backing of reputable brands. You can trust that the appliances you purchase will meet your needs and perform well over time.
#6. Responsive Service
Whether you need an appliance repair, installation, or just some advice, local stores typically offer faster and more reliable service than big box stores.
Their commitment to customer satisfaction means they’re more likely to go the extra mile to ensure you’re happy with your purchase and that your appliances are functioning as they should.
Which is Better: Local Appliance Store vs Big Box?
When you compare local appliance stores vs big box retailers, the advantages of shopping local become clear. While big box stores might offer convenience and a wide selection, they often fall short in areas that matter most—personalized service, expert advice, and community impact.
Local appliance stores, like BlvdHome, offer a superior shopping experience, with staff who are genuinely invested in helping you find the right appliance for your needs. By choosing local, you’re not only getting better service and quality, but you’re also supporting your community. For these reasons, we firmly believe that shopping at a local appliance store is the better choice.
→ Learn more: Furniture Stores Las Vegas: BlvdHome Reviews
FAQ
Are big box stores cheaper?
No, don't underestimate the power of local stores. Many local appliance stores, including BlvdHome, offer competitive pricing and will often price match big box stores, ensuring you get the best deal without sacrificing quality or service.
What are the disadvantages of big box stores?
Big box stores can offer convenience and a wide selection, but they often lack personalized service and expertise. Additionally, the quality of products and the level of customer care may vary, and these stores typically don’t contribute to your local community the way a locally-owned business does.
On the other hand, local stores offer multiple promotions and different discounted furniture promotions such as our clearance center.
Where to shop for appliances near me?
If you're looking for a reliable local appliance store near you, check out BlvdHome. We offer a wide selection of quality appliances, expert advice, and exceptional service that big box stores simply can’t match!
Why Trust BlvdHome?
The roots of this family business began as early as the pioneer settlement of Southern Utah. One descendant of those 1861 pioneers was Lester Wittwer. In 1928, he started a trucking business with other family members, delivering homegrown fruits and vegetables to many outlying areas. The story of BlvdHome began in 1974 when Lester’s son Tony decided to venture off into the furniture world - with two full-time employees and a small showroom of only 8,000 square feet. Today, BlvdHome has 5 retail locations with over 160,000 sq. ft. of showroom space, located in St. George, Utah, Hurricane, Utah, Cedar City, Utah, Mesquite, Nevada, and a new Las Vegas location. With over 230 amazing team members, BlvdHome continues to deliver on a commitment to customer service that started over 90 years ago.
Shop Appliances at BlvdHome
At BlvdHome, we provide quality name-brand appliances, furniture, and mattresses for great prices. Shop appliances online or visit us today at one of our locations in Utah or Nevada. In the meantime, browse our website to shop BlvdHome Bargain Barn and check out our flooring selections to increase your home value. More available than ever, our experts at BlvdHome are always happy to help you choose between a local appliance store vs big box, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
→ Learn more: What is Clearance Furniture?