Reflection on Shopping

Trip Start Jul 05, 2012

Trip End Oct 24, 2012

Loading Map

Map your own trip!

Map Options

Show trip route

Hide lines

Flag of United States Riverside, California
Thursday, July 19, 2012

Somehow when i was in the USA in 2000, i remember better service and better choice. As for price, i was expecting things to be cheaper. When you operate in South Africa, 6 wks away from your suppliers with expensive logistics costs, higher inventory holding costs, i think that you can forgive a 20% premium for goods in SA. And for many products I am not even sure that exists. For the walmart/ Macro type products I dont think there is any differential. Yes, for ipads or Specialised bikes there is a differential, and in my books the 20% is not so bad.

As for product availability, the range is not always in stock; "the other store might have it or we can order it from our central warehouse".

The service is good, not necessarily great, and we have pockets of equivalence.

So, does this mean we are doing better or has the US gone backwards.

But, after saying this, have a look at a clip of a retailer on steroids. Bass Pro sells outdoor living product, not to mention a healthy display of hunting rifles.

Slideshow