Store Loyalty or Why Even Walmart Can't Count On Me

I remember in the 1980s there were cola wars and burger wars. While these type of wars still do exist, I just cannot see being loyal over an entire lifetime happening these days. If those days are not done, they are close to being over.

In my twenties, I would go to Target before I went anywhere else. Nowadays, I follow the sale. If I know that I can get something cheaper at Walmart or Dollar General, I go there.

And even Walmart is not the end all to be all store. I went this week for a cut watermelon deal, but it must be only at a supercenter because cut watermelon wasn't to be found at this particular store. Their personal-sized watermelons were going for $3.48. I found one at a local farmer's stand for $3.

Even my other low-priced store, Meijer, is sometimes forgotten when there are bargains to be had elsewhere. Meijer has had peaches and plums on sale since June. The price has held steady at $1 a pound, but it was cheaper. Next summer, I won't be buying my peaches and plums from Meijer. Meijer has nice-sized fruit, probably the biggest anywhere, but it wasn't the sweetest. Imagine my surprise, when this small peach, bought a local farmer's stand for $1.29 per pound, was the sweetest I've had all summer. I can't wait to taste the watermelon! I guess I'll be supporting my local farmer! And I have two to choose from all summer and fall long! Let's not forget Farmers Markets, too!

The brands aren't loyal to the customers so customers are no longer loyal to brands or stores. Price is one of the factors, but it's not the only one. Sometimes it's location, and customer service. Sometimes it's political reasons. Shocking, but true. I was a huge fan of Target, but I've since stopped buying clothes from there, and followed that with electronics and video games, and now food.

With the economy not sure if it wants to rebound or tank further, I have to watch my dollars. And doing that means letting go of brand or store loyalty. I cannot afford it. It saddens me a little, but getting a great price cheers me right back up.