Editorial: Best to shop local, service second to none

Hawke's Bay Today News Editor James Ford.

In an age of online shopping our high streets are constantly battling to attract customers.

The fight for business is particularly fierce in the smaller centres as online shopping allows customers to sit comfortably in their armchairs while cutting out the middle man.

Clothing store owners have even seen an influx of potential customers visiting their shops to try on items, before heading home and ordering online.

It's known as "showrooming" - the practice of visiting a shop or shops in order to examine a product before buying it online at a lower price.

Sites like Amazon are the biggest threat to brick-and-mortar stores. With its speedy delivery service, product reviews and competitive pricing, you can see the attraction.

But, following a thoroughly enjoyable experience last week, I remain staunchly in favour of shopping local.

Being new to the Bay and in need of a new suit for my sister's wedding next month, I asked around for advice on where to take my business.

I was pointed in the direction of Thompson's Suits.

As a member of a generation that is more likely to shop online for clothes and shoes it was something of a novelty, but it won't be in future.

The customer service was second to none. With a deep understanding of the products they sell and a propensity for customer care, it's easy to see why Thompson's Suits has served Hawke's Bay for more than six decades.

From remembering my name when I returned to the store the following day to making sure my 1-year-old son was entertained with a basket of toys while I was in the fitting room, Thompson's reminded me of what I was missing.

The service, conversation and in-depth knowledge of the staff made for a memorable experience.

We must look after our local businesses, or we'll miss them when they're gone.