I believe in supporting any local business first, and I make a genuine effort to do so whenever possible.
I avoid places like Walmart unless I absolutely have no other choice.
As a local business person, I realize that people can go to one of the cheap chain hair salons and get a haircut for $8....
....and that's fine, if you don't mind that one side of your head looks like Baby Jane had a go at it with a weed whacker.
Yes, my price is much more for a haircut....but I take pride in my work and education. When you sit in my chair, you can be assured that I have spent my entire 30 year career keeping informed and up to date. Unlike the chain salons, I don't get paid whether I actually work or not. I'm only paid for the work I perform. I realize that people do have a choice, and I am thankful that my clients appreciate the service that only I can offer. If they stopped patronizing my chair, my daughter and I would starve.
As long as there are local shops, I will do my best to support them....I honestly feel that if more people did the same, entire local economies would see significant growth. Who knows, perhaps the need for local welfare would even decrease.....