Spin off to Amazon Boycott - where do you shop?

I understand a lot of the reasons that people are saying they are boycotting or limiting their use of Amazon. If you are doing that, where do you shop? Aren’t a lot of the reasons for boycotting Amazon the same for companies like Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Home Depot, Lowes, Macy’s etc? There are so few mon and pop stores left. So where do you shop for everything from toiletries, house and yard stuff and clothing. (Im not saying I shop for all of these things from Amazon, but I do shop mostly big box stores - because other than a few small clothing boutiques, there are so few other options)

ETA: I did get my living room furniture from a local ( not chain) store and use a local store for pool supplies etc but for the most part, I wind up shopping at chain/big box stores.

Message edited 9/27/2020 10:15:22 AM.

Re: Spin off to Amazon Boycott - where do you shop?

I agree with you Chilltocam and also curious on what people are doing. I’m going to be honest, I’m too weak to give up Amazon. To be really honest, I don’t use prime for instance gratification, I use it because the ease of free returns. The pandemic and everything shutting down is what forced me to use prime more than I ever did before. The order pickup which the government was strongly recommending is what forced people to go to these big corporations.

I am not disagreeing with all the points posted about amazon on the other thread at all. But I also think all the big corporations excelled at the expense of mom and pop stores. I also think the government allowed them to do this during the pandemic. Target was open and wasn’t even cleaning like they said they were doing. But yet they were still allowed to be open.

My tangent went a little longer. But it will be interesting to hear what others are doing instead of using Amazon. I can tell you that I got an alert about my sons prescription being cheaper at a small local pharmacy. So we are going to try theM instead of Walgreens. It may mean putting it in earlier and not waiting to the last minute. But I want to try helping these small stores.

Re: Spin off to Amazon Boycott - where do you shop?

I totally agree and yes, I’m aware some of the other stores are practicing the same things I hate about amazon. I think the only difference is how amazon is sneaking in to your total life and the data They have about you - more so than Walmart or Target (home security, listening devices, entertainment) And to me that makes it even more dangerous. I also just think America is too dependent on them and that’s how they skirt taxes unlike other large corporations. Walmart is no one to look up to ethically but they do pay taxes and offer some employment for disabled etc. target does donate to the local community, again not saying they are perfect.

I have done a lot more shopping at Target and I did big stock ups at Bjs although I’ve ended my membership there too. I go to a locally owned grocery store and try to get some cleaning/household goods there. My pet had to switch to prescription food so I could no longer get that on amazon anyway.

I’m not sure I have an answer to what’s ethically safe and doesn’t violate those points. I guess overall I’m trying to be more aware of what I’m buying and from whom. Do I really need this thing? I was just getting stuff from them because it was easy and there’s been quite a few things that have been low quality (toys, clothing).

Sometimes you can order things directly from the manufacturer and just cut out amazon. I did that recently for some gifts I purchased - it was the same price on their own website.

I feel doing a little better is something. Even if I shop at amazon occasionally, I don’t need boxes showing up every 2 days. Boycott was too strong a word for my last post, I’m not 100% off them. Just not sure we have a word for “trying really hard to use them a lot less”. Lol

Message edited 9/27/2020 11:38:41 AM.

Re: Spin off to Amazon Boycott - where do you shop?

I don’t plan on ever going to Home Depot again. They are a major trump supporter and that’s directly in contrast to my morals. I will go to Lowe’s or Ace my home needs going forward.

I struggle on the clothing. I know fast fashion is so bad for the earth but I have a hard enough time getting clothes for my daughter with her texture sensitivity. Other than very expensive ethical clothing brands, I’m not really aware of one for kids and lounge wear that is Affordable. I have purchased handbags and shoes from some of these brands but they are more long term pieces vs the joggers I now wear everyday and won’t pay top dollar for.

So I just try to get multiple years out of my clothes and donate/ pass along my kids clothes when they are outgrown. I wish there were more ethical options though!

Spin off to Amazon Boycott - where do you shop?

I'll still buy at Amazon because sometime there are things I need that I know I can only get there. To be honest though I don't feequent target or walmart. I do shop BJs and for other things I do local grocery store or walgreens. I also try to support the smaller hardware stores like Ace

Re: Spin off to Amazon Boycott - where do you shop?

As far as Amazon having access to our data, you should also pay close attention to Google. They have just as much access to data if not more than Amazon. More so than Facebook.

Re: Spin off to Amazon Boycott - where do you shop?

Re: Spin off to Amazon Boycott - where do you shop?

Re: Spin off to Amazon Boycott - where do you shop?

I will be honest, I shop at whatever store (online or brick & mortar) that has what I need and for the best price. Like most, I couldn't live without Amazon, their prices are amazing and it saves me so much time and headache.

I get why people won't support certain businesses and I respect that, it's just not my thing.