My general philoshophy is to make my purchases at businesses I want to be there next year. I choose to support the bussinesses that provide a real value,,, great choices, great infomation, great people, or just great charma! Plus the "local owner" will be spending the dollars in the comunity , rather than a corp. that profits go WHERE? And its primary concern is with its stock price.
Got to say my local shops provide more inspiration and encouragement than money can define , that is REAL VALUE.
Only one local shop was a real downer( snobby staff, lack of service, seemed only interested is selling me a new machine ...contantly ) , they went out of business this spring and ... I had no sense of loss. Now if one of my favorites went out of business , I would feel the loss of a trusted friend and resource... for a long time. Buy/spend where it matters to you if the business is there next month or next year. In this economy it really matters.
OK , I'll stop the editorial.