Competition is the name of the game today. Mom and Pop/
Independent Stores are competing for your business and are now taking the lead against some of the major players in the market today. According to the latest annual survey conducted by Consumer Reports: The "Mom and Pop" Stores are not only known for their service, but many offer good prices and a better selection than the bigger nationwide chains.

According to Consumer Reports, while many stores were comparable overall, big differences were found in the details.

The major retailers did not out-price the independent stores for purchases such as ranges, refrigerators, and other large appliances.

• The survey also stated the independent appliance stores had stellar salespeople.
• Nearly 90% of small appliances buyers found service very good or excellent for independent / mom and pop stores.
• The independent stores scored high on the personal touch scale.
• 75% of the smaller appliance buyers thought independent store staffers were pleasant, informed or helpful.
• Independent stores beat all but one large retailer for small appliance selections and they beat two of the four for big-ticket items.
• The independent stores rated a score of 87 for the purchase of large and small appliance items. The survey results considered such factors as Price, Selection, Service, Checkout Ease and Product Quality.

The article "Where to Buy Appliances" was re-printed by permission from Consumer Reports, September 2005 pages 32, 33 and 34. Click here to read the article in its entirety.