Community› The Bump Message Boards› Nurseries and Baby Gear
Nurseries and Baby Gear
New Discussion

Registries: Independent vs Big chain stores

beforesunrisebeforesunrise member
in Nurseries and Baby Gear

My DH and I began our nursery research/shopping this weekend. We expected we'd want to register at a "big box" store like BBB for the best prices and widest selection. Turns out most of what we picked out is also carried at independent store in our area for the same price. The independent store has online ordering that our out-of-town family could use, and we can either pick up gifts in store or have them shipped to us. I'd much rather support a local store, you know? Does anyone has an opinion or a reason I should go with BBB instead?

Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
Report Reply to Post

Re: Registries: Independent vs Big chain stores

  • TX-BrideTX-Bride member
    I think it is a great idea to support an independent local biz, and I am glad that you found their price competitve, that said, a lot of people automatically think the boutique is going to be more expensive, most poeple don't do a cost comparison when they shop for a gift. I think some big box stores give you a coupon to complete your registry, that maybe a discount you may not get from the independent store. For where I live the only advantage that a place like BBB has, there is a lot of them around, so my friends don't have to drive to the boutiques that I like that are mostly in different part of town, but if for your situtation it does not make a difference go with the store and support a local business.
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • tdoyentdoyen member
    The 20% discount coupons that are everywhere?
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
  • beforesunrisebeforesunrise member

    imagetdoyen:
    The 20% discount coupons that are everywhere?

    That's exactly what I was thinking about in terms of still doing BBB too. But for the big items (car seats, strollers...), so many of the brands are excluded, you know?  

    Also, I need to check if the independent store does a completion discount. The big stores have those, right? 

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
  • Emily6778Emily6778 member
    Don't forget to compare return policies.  BBB has one of the best out there.  Trust me, you will get doubles on some items!
    Baby Birthday Ticker TickerBabyName Ticker
    Report Reply
  • GirlWithTheMostCakeGirlWithTheMostCake member
    Independent. I can't stand supporting Big Boxes. I registered at a store called NessaLee Baby which was convenient for everyone that I knew who lived in NJ. For anyone who wasn't, they offered free shipping, price match and their service was stellar. My items were held for me and delivered when I wanted and assembled. I did receive some doubles because some people didn't purchase items through my registry and it was no big deal. They looked up the orders and took it back and I was able to buy other things I needed with the credit. I also had a 10% back on every single thing that was purchased off of my registry. So the total was $3000 and I got a $300 gift card to the store. I really love shopping at boutiques and I think if you find the right one for you the experience is significantly more rewarding and the prices are always the same. It's always nice to have someone specific you can call with questions as opposed to different teenage salespeople with no knowledge each time. People have a misconception that boutiques are more but MAP pricing is across the board on most good brands anyway.
    Report Reply
  • tdoyentdoyen member
    Yes, I have heard you can use the 10% completion discount on top of the 20% one.  I like independent stores too, but for breadth of selection and discounts, I would still go with the big box.  
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"