There is a lot of spirited conversation around this subject lately some are adamant that one is right and one is wrong, that’s not my place to tell people how to shop or where to shop as that can depend on many personal issues including budget. I think the most important thing is that we are having this conversation from the coffee shop to major TV Networks, because shopping is a multi-billion dollar industry that is getting increasingly competitive.
Both of these have their Pros and Cons, what comes to mind when I think of Big Box I think huge selection, yes the term One Stop Shopping comes to mind, and of course convenience. Indie on the other hand has much smaller inventories, smaller selection and it can take time to find them (although Search/Social Media have helped tremendously) as they don’t have the resources for advertising, marketing or branding.
Cost is a little more difficult as items that are massed produced overseas are generally cheaper but remember just because a product is priced cheaper it doesn’t always translate into being less expensive because if it doesn’t last, well that’s money down the drain. On the flip side an item that is more expensive doesn’t automatically mean it is better quality, price does NOT equal quality, that’s called snobbery!
Uniqueness is where I believe Indie is in a class of it’s own, because they are produced in smaller quantities they can be much more innovative especially in the world of eco & sustainable clothing. Small Brands even with their limited budgets are in the fore front of this clothing revolution, just attend any Trade Show incl the behemoth Magic and you will see the tide is turning.
Customer interaction is another area where Indie is unmatched, we recently met with a new Designer who passionately described the process he uses to make his Tees, from concept to final product, you simply cannot get that experience in the Big Box.
Target is trying to bridge the gap a little, while being a Big Box they have successfully integrated (larger) Indie Brands into their stores . All in all it is a personal choice, but like I said at the beginning it is important that we are having this conversation because that is how change happens, spirited conversations between people with open minds.
Dawn
BobbePin 
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