If you are avoiding Amazon and Target, where are you buying what?

[Anonymous]

I have been trying to buy random things from Ebay, like a replacement part for my coffee pot, but sometimes the package arrives from Amazon anyway!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not OP but also boycotting Amazon (also cancelled my Wash Post subscription) and Target and doing my very best to shop local. I find something on Amazon and then use Google lens to find it elsewhere. Also team never a Tesla Nazi mobile or shop at Walmart (we subsidize Walmart so much because they don't pay their employees enough and teach them how to apply for welfare, SNAP, etc. It's a piss-poor business model that wouldn't succeed without the government handouts to their employees

I will not willingly support the oligarch billionaires

Yet you almost certainly own stock in Amazon, Target, and Walmart. And you're telling us that you never shopped at Walmart? It wasn't like they just started engaging in these business practices. Very hypocritcal and not the flex that you think it is.

DP: Yes, I have not shopped at Walmart for the last 3+ decades. Only time I was forced to was summer of 2020, we went to a small area for a "safe getaway" in a rental home. The only place that would do curbside groceries and supplies was Walmart. The local Grocery store did not. And I was not willing to go inside (this was summer 2020), so I had no choice but to use Walmart. But otherwise, nope I have avoided them because of their practices since their existence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't proactively support small businesses even if I like the notion of small businesses because they're just not that great. They are more expensive and don't have the same stock. And some are certainly very ideological (looking at you Penzys).

Amazon is wonderful. Target is convenient. The only person who cares if you try to make a moral argument out of avoiding Amazon and Target is you and you alone, no one else. Do what you want but you aren't budging the needle except you will spend more money by trying to avoid the big boxes and Amazon, and it was another person on another thread who also pointed out it's more ecologically friendly and sustainable to stick with Amazon and deliveries than going to 20 different stores in your car.

Beg to differ:

Teslas is down 40%
Target sales are down 3% since Jan, stock is down

You don’t think Target and Tesla care? You do you but I’m spending MY money where I want and with businesses who aren’t groveling at the feet of facists.

Tesla is an intriguing and narrow example to cite, the product was far more popular among the "left" than the "right" so it was prone to consumer shifts in a way mass retailers are not. A comparable would be Budweiser, it's a product more popular among the "right" than the "left" so the boycott had real impact. And it doesn't help that Tesla stock was already enormously overvalued as any market guru would have told you even before Musk came on the scene. Unlike Budweiser, given Musk's history in reviving Twitter's value I wouldn't rule out a big Tesla boom in a year or two.

Your boycott is going to garner nothing more than a slow clap because reasons you cite are actually very popular among most Americans, such as the DEI rollbacks. You are in the distinct minority. Both Amazon and Target and Walmart also hire large numbers of working Americans who'd struggle otherwise to find other jobs. If you knew anything about Amazon, while their corporate culture is demanding and works people hard, those who who are able to perform are rewarded greatly. A lot of success stories of employees starting from the bottom and working their way up with determination and grit.

You can do what you want, the tradeoff is that you will spend more money and be more inconvenienced by avoiding Amazon and popular big retailers who have enormous scales of efficiency they pass on consumers. Virtue signaling is a luxury, and it's your decision.

I am both virtual signaling and think you're all lazy that you can't run a few errands instead of ordering on amazon. Take a walk! It's not that hard.

I just ordered a bunch of stuff on Amazon. None of which I can get by walking anywhere. Some I could get by driving but I'd have to drive to multiple stores and spend a few hours doing it. Burning gas and producing carbon in the process. And paying more for it.

Which is more sustainable and the better option? You tell me.

+1

I live in a condo bldg, in downtown of large city. When amazon delivers here it's almost always 50+ packages. I'm surrounded by other tall apartments/condos/places where when they deliver it's tons of packages. Those are delivered in a clean energy/EV vehicle much of the time. It is most definately more sustainable and better option. Otherwise I'd be driving 20 mins to get to stores with what I need (my downtown hardly has any drugstores anymore and most barely have anything on the shelves).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not OP but also boycotting Amazon (also cancelled my Wash Post subscription) and Target and doing my very best to shop local. I find something on Amazon and then use Google lens to find it elsewhere. Also team never a Tesla Nazi mobile or shop at Walmart (we subsidize Walmart so much because they don't pay their employees enough and teach them how to apply for welfare, SNAP, etc. It's a piss-poor business model that wouldn't succeed without the government handouts to their employees

I will not willingly support the oligarch billionaires

Yet you almost certainly own stock in Amazon, Target, and Walmart. And you're telling us that you never shopped at Walmart? It wasn't like they just started engaging in these business practices. Very hypocritcal and not the flex that you think it is.

No, I have never shopped at Walmart (grew up in a bleeding heart household, we recycled since before recycling was cool, as in 50 years ago). I try to shop small and local as often as I can. Definitely not easy, and not always possible, but there are no Walmarts near where I live, and I have never been to one while on vacation.

Well for years Walmart had a stronghold in Hawaii. Your choices were Walmart, Costco (if the island had one) or the local grocery stores. Now at least ( in last 5-10 years) all islands have a Target. But they sell things that your local grocery store does not stock, and when on vacation most people are not driving around to 5 different stores to get what they need===it's one stop shopping and off to the hotel or condo

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't proactively support small businesses even if I like the notion of small businesses because they're just not that great. They are more expensive and don't have the same stock. And some are certainly very ideological (looking at you Penzys).

Amazon is wonderful. Target is convenient. The only person who cares if you try to make a moral argument out of avoiding Amazon and Target is you and you alone, no one else. Do what you want but you aren't budging the needle except you will spend more money by trying to avoid the big boxes and Amazon, and it was another person on another thread who also pointed out it's more ecologically friendly and sustainable to stick with Amazon and deliveries than going to 20 different stores in your car.

Yup! If I have to get in my car and venture out to 5+ stores to get what I can get at one, then I'm hurting the environment as well as wasting my time. Also, I live in a city, so driving to city stores (if not within walking distance) means finding parking, paying for parking at each of those 5 stores. I would much rather save that 2hours+, save the environment and order online. Similarly, many small stores now redirect you to amazon for their items. It gives them a much larger audience and saves money. People are more likely to order online if shipping is free. And yes, I live in a bldg with over 200 units, so when the amazon truck comes multiple times a day, it's a large drop-off--not to mention all of the other condo/apt buildings within 5 block radius. Much more efficient than 1000+ people driving to 5+ stores, circling the block multiple times to find a parking spot, etc.

FFS, you can buy everything online. No driving, no environmental degradation. Just use google or duck duck go, and SEARCH. There are so many online outlets that aren't Amazon or Target. Spend your money elsewhere with just a few clicks. No driving at all.

And you have to pay for shipping and even then, the ground shipping might take 5-8 days to get to you. What if I need it before then? Sure I could do all you are saying and pay a lot more, as well as spend much more of my time "completing my shopping"

I prefer to avoid local businesses that treat employees poorly or are A$$hole owners (we have at least 4 local restaurants I won't eat at because the owners are vocal about being racists/mysogynistic/anti=LGTBQ jerks. Love the food, but speak with my wallet in those cases because the workers are treated poorly and we don't want to give credence to idiots like that

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't proactively support small businesses even if I like the notion of small businesses because they're just not that great. They are more expensive and don't have the same stock. And some are certainly very ideological (looking at you Penzys).

Amazon is wonderful. Target is convenient. The only person who cares if you try to make a moral argument out of avoiding Amazon and Target is you and you alone, no one else. Do what you want but you aren't budging the needle except you will spend more money by trying to avoid the big boxes and Amazon, and it was another person on another thread who also pointed out it's more ecologically friendly and sustainable to stick with Amazon and deliveries than going to 20 different stores in your car.

Yup! If I have to get in my car and venture out to 5+ stores to get what I can get at one, then I'm hurting the environment as well as wasting my time. Also, I live in a city, so driving to city stores (if not within walking distance) means finding parking, paying for parking at each of those 5 stores. I would much rather save that 2hours+, save the environment and order online. Similarly, many small stores now redirect you to amazon for their items. It gives them a much larger audience and saves money. People are more likely to order online if shipping is free. And yes, I live in a bldg with over 200 units, so when the amazon truck comes multiple times a day, it's a large drop-off--not to mention all of the other condo/apt buildings within 5 block radius. Much more efficient than 1000+ people driving to 5+ stores, circling the block multiple times to find a parking spot, etc.

FFS, you can buy everything online. No driving, no environmental degradation. Just use google or duck duck go, and SEARCH. There are so many online outlets that aren't Amazon or Target. Spend your money elsewhere with just a few clicks. No driving at all.

And you have to pay for shipping and even then, the ground shipping might take 5-8 days to get to you. What if I need it before then? Sure I could do all you are saying and pay a lot more, as well as spend much more of my time "completing my shopping"

I prefer to avoid local businesses that treat employees poorly or are A$$hole owners (we have at least 4 local restaurants I won't eat at because the owners are vocal about being racists/mysogynistic/anti=LGTBQ jerks. Love the food, but speak with my wallet in those cases because the workers are treated poorly and we don't want to give credence to idiots like that

So many excuses. Americans are weak, feel they are owed convenience, and have little creativity or sense of community. This is why we’re allowing authoritarianism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't proactively support small businesses even if I like the notion of small businesses because they're just not that great. They are more expensive and don't have the same stock. And some are certainly very ideological (looking at you Penzys).

Amazon is wonderful. Target is convenient. The only person who cares if you try to make a moral argument out of avoiding Amazon and Target is you and you alone, no one else. Do what you want but you aren't budging the needle except you will spend more money by trying to avoid the big boxes and Amazon, and it was another person on another thread who also pointed out it's more ecologically friendly and sustainable to stick with Amazon and deliveries than going to 20 different stores in your car.

Yup! If I have to get in my car and venture out to 5+ stores to get what I can get at one, then I'm hurting the environment as well as wasting my time. Also, I live in a city, so driving to city stores (if not within walking distance) means finding parking, paying for parking at each of those 5 stores. I would much rather save that 2hours+, save the environment and order online. Similarly, many small stores now redirect you to amazon for their items. It gives them a much larger audience and saves money. People are more likely to order online if shipping is free. And yes, I live in a bldg with over 200 units, so when the amazon truck comes multiple times a day, it's a large drop-off--not to mention all of the other condo/apt buildings within 5 block radius. Much more efficient than 1000+ people driving to 5+ stores, circling the block multiple times to find a parking spot, etc.

FFS, you can buy everything online. No driving, no environmental degradation. Just use google or duck duck go, and SEARCH. There are so many online outlets that aren't Amazon or Target. Spend your money elsewhere with just a few clicks. No driving at all.

And you have to pay for shipping and even then, the ground shipping might take 5-8 days to get to you. What if I need it before then? Sure I could do all you are saying and pay a lot more, as well as spend much more of my time "completing my shopping"

I prefer to avoid local businesses that treat employees poorly or are A$$hole owners (we have at least 4 local restaurants I won't eat at because the owners are vocal about being racists/mysogynistic/anti=LGTBQ jerks. Love the food, but speak with my wallet in those cases because the workers are treated poorly and we don't want to give credence to idiots like that

So many excuses. Americans are weak, feel they are owed convenience, and have little creativity or sense of community. This is why we’re allowing authoritarianism.

Nope---voted against this, as I have for decades. Vote D despite the fact my daily life would personally be better (lower taxes) if I voted R. But I'm not wasting my time and energy driving around searching for 1-2 items when I can do it from home in 5 mins. Also not willing to pay $20 for shipping those items and waiting 5-10 days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not OP but also boycotting Amazon (also cancelled my Wash Post subscription) and Target and doing my very best to shop local. I find something on Amazon and then use Google lens to find it elsewhere. Also team never a Tesla Nazi mobile or shop at Walmart (we subsidize Walmart so much because they don't pay their employees enough and teach them how to apply for welfare, SNAP, etc. It's a piss-poor business model that wouldn't succeed without the government handouts to their employees

I will not willingly support the oligarch billionaires

Yet you almost certainly own stock in Amazon, Target, and Walmart. And you're telling us that you never shopped at Walmart? It wasn't like they just started engaging in these business practices. Very hypocritcal and not the flex that you think it is.

DP: Yes, I have not shopped at Walmart for the last 3+ decades. Only time I was forced to was summer of 2020, we went to a small area for a "safe getaway" in a rental home. The only place that would do curbside groceries and supplies was Walmart. The local Grocery store did not. And I was not willing to go inside (this was summer 2020), so I had no choice but to use Walmart. But otherwise, nope I have avoided them because of their practices since their existence.

+1

I had to go to a Walmart once while on vacation because it was literally the only store for 100+ miles. I felt like I had to take a shower after shopping there.

It’s easy to avoid Walmarts when you aren’t in BFE.

[Anonymous]

Why are posters replying telling people how to spend THEIR money. Go away. Touch some grass. We don’t want to buy from Target, Walmart….why do you care so much? Go live your life

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP. Thanks for all the suggestions and links. Sounds like I may need to join Costco.

For me, avoiding Amazon and Walmart are because of poor worker practices. Target is because of the DEI pullback.

I understand that short boycotts don't typically make much of an impact, but I believe if the collective changes their spending patterns they can make a statement. And yes, in terms of the political climate, we need to do much more, but this can be one of many things we do, to whatever extent we do or don't see fit.

Target is not a great place to work either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are posters replying telling people how to spend THEIR money. Go away. Touch some grass. We don’t want to buy from Target, Walmart….why do you care so much? Go live your life

Why are you telling people what they can and can't say?

Go spend your Walmart dividends at the local 5 and dime and take a chill pill.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are posters replying telling people how to spend THEIR money. Go away. Touch some grass. We don’t want to buy from Target, Walmart….why do you care so much? Go live your life

This. And stop telling us that we are virtue signaling. It has nothing to do with virtue signaling. Many of us are disgusted by Target's and other brands' duplicity. I legitimately thought diversity was who Target was, and I don't appreciate being played.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are posters replying telling people how to spend THEIR money. Go away. Touch some grass. We don’t want to buy from Target, Walmart….why do you care so much? Go live your life

This. And stop telling us that we are virtue signaling. It has nothing to do with virtue signaling. Many of us are disgusted by Target's and other brands' duplicity. I legitimately thought diversity was who Target was, and I don't appreciate being played.

Agree, I discovered new brands that Target promoted as black-owned small businesses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have been trying to buy random things from Ebay, like a replacement part for my coffee pot, but sometimes the package arrives from Amazon anyway!

The person is probably buying it off amazon and sending it to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are posters replying telling people how to spend THEIR money. Go away. Touch some grass. We don’t want to buy from Target, Walmart….why do you care so much? Go live your life

If you don't want to spend it there, great. But some of us rely on that income from these companies...so it impacts us.