Supporting local artisans and businesses (Las Cruces: co-op, how much, Home Depot)

[AmberLynn]

Found this article at the Bulletin...I'm relieved that someone has written this about "keeping it local". ANYONE can go to the mall, but purchasing local is how we will help to maintain our "home" town first! People are struggling and what better way to say "I'm here to help" than to buy from them. We have such quality entrepreneurs around!

LAS CRUCES BULLETIN

[fnord]

I'm with you there, AmberLynn. I'm a Las Crucen who has never been to a Walmart here (or any big box store) and I go out of my way to support the small local businesses, of which there's a lot to choose from. No Walmart, and I'm doing ok!

I do my best to visit local businesses to find what I need, and only look elsewhere as a last resort. Between the farmer's markets and Mountain View co-op (and my own garden) I get 100% of my groceries. I've found a lot of treasures at ReStore (local chapter of Habitat for Humanity staffed by volunteers with lots of home improvement supplies like wood, tile, hardware, plus much more) rather than heading over to Sutherland's or Home Depot (both last resorts).

In my 1.5 years in Las Cruces, I've only been up on "The Hill" (East Mesa corporate retail hub) 2 or 3 times for odd errands. Other than that, all my business goes to the small, privately owned entities in the midtown/downtown areas.

Support them today, or soon enough your ONLY choice will be Walmart and then the riots will start...

[mike0421]

Originally Posted by fnord

I'm with you there, AmberLynn. I'm a Las Crucen who has never been to a Walmart here (or any big box store) and I go out of my way to support the small local businesses, of which there's a lot to choose from. No Walmart, and I'm doing ok!

I do my best to visit local businesses to find what I need, and only look elsewhere as a last resort. Between the farmer's markets and Mountain View co-op (and my own garden) I get 100% of my groceries. I've found a lot of treasures at ReStore (local chapter of Habitat for Humanity staffed by volunteers with lots of home improvement supplies like wood, tile, hardware, plus much more) rather than heading over to Sutherland's or Home Depot (both last resorts).

In my 1.5 years in Las Cruces, I've only been up on "The Hill" (East Mesa corporate retail hub) 2 or 3 times for odd errands. Other than that, all my business goes to the small, privately owned entities in the midtown/downtown areas.

Support them today, or soon enough your ONLY choice will be Walmart and then the riots will start...

While admirable, living this way costs way more $$$$, and is out of the question if you are raising two small children, as am I.

[AmberLynn]

Originally Posted by mike0421

While admirable, living this way costs way more $$$$, and is out of the question if you are raising two small children, as am I.

That is understandable, Mike. So, support local WHEN you can. I know at the market you can get some very inexpensive items....and quality, too! Depends on what your "aim" is. Sometimes spending a few more cents on quality is much more important for your children. Cheap is not always better! Ask me, I know! The "Walmart" products do not last.

[mike0421]

Originally Posted by AmberLynn

That is understandable, Mike. So, support local WHEN you can. I know at the market you can get some very inexpensive items....and quality, too! Depends on what your "aim" is. Sometimes spending a few more cents on quality is much more important for your children. Cheap is not always better! Ask me, I know! The "Walmart" products do not last.

Amen to that. I have first-hand experience as well.

[fnord]

Originally Posted by mike0421

While admirable, living this way costs way more $$$$, and is out of the question if you are raising two small children, as am I.

Nothing admirable about it. Just common sense and plain economics.

So if one has children you have to shop at Walmart to survive? I beg to differ!

[chilegal]

Is there any store in LC or in the state that has items "Made in New Mexico" only. A store like this would be great to see. When we made our trips through southern Illinois there is one that the state runs of just Illinois artists, and I have to stop each time and usually buy. I sure would be buying here if I knew where to go.

[mike0421]

Originally Posted by fnord

Nothing admirable about it. Just common sense and plain economics.

So if one has children you have to shop at Walmart to survive? I beg to differ!

Do you have children Fnord? Do you pay my bills? I beg to differ with you. I know how much food costs at the Mountain View co-op, because my son has had gluten allergies. It's a fortune. I paid 62 dollars for one bag of groceries there.

Places like Toucan Market, while higher in quality, are prohibitively expensive in comparison, unless you buy meat products. Then there's time involved to going to each of these stores separately, in order to find the best deals at each store. That time, in turn, is subtracted by spending it with your family.

So again, I ask, do you have children?

[AmberLynn]

Originally Posted by chilegal

Is there any store in LC or in the state that has items "Made in New Mexico" only. A store like this would be great to see. When we made our trips through southern Illinois there is one that the state runs of just Illinois artists, and I have to stop each time and usually buy. I sure would be buying here if I knew where to go.

I believe the entire Farmer's and Craft Market is the best we have!
They are open each Wed and Saturday from 8-12:30. Also after January, they are there until 1 pm.

You'll be in "hog" heaven!!