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11 votes
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Apple Store's temperature checks may violate EU privacy rules, says German data protection office
5 votes -
IKEA's shopping malls arm Ingka Centres plans US entry in major play
6 votes -
There’s plenty of meat in America — for those who can afford it
8 votes -
Inside the weird, get-rich-quick world of dropshipping
18 votes -
I think I'm done with Amazon. Recommend me some alternative storefronts.
This story was basically the last straw, but the bigger frustration is that I ordered a NAS on Black Friday that STILL hasn't shipped. I have zero trust in this company to actually deliver me what...
This story was basically the last straw, but the bigger frustration is that I ordered a NAS on Black Friday that STILL hasn't shipped. I have zero trust in this company to actually deliver me what they claim to be anymore, and their listings are crap.
So instead of just spending my time whining (like the Ars comment section seems to be), I'd like to brainstorm alternative places to buy stuff. The main problem is breaking the Amazon habit, especially as it dominates all Google results for whatever you're looking for.
Nothing will ever be as much of a "one stop shop" as the A->Z store, naturally. But I think I'll just set myself up some bookmarks and go to one based on what I'm looking for. Also, while I get that there is no ethical consumption under capitalism, there is definitely a sliding scale of better and worse so that should weigh into things.
So let's go by category. I'm just listing out places where I've started to look for things instead. Please feel free to make suggestions. Whatever people recommend, I'll edit back into this list. If you include any general comments about what you like or what they could do better on any of your recommendations or any of mine let me know.
Groceries (Dry goods and sundries)
- Target.com
- Jet.com
- WalMart.com
- CostCo
- Chewy.com: For dog/pet supplies
Groceries (Fresh/perishable and specialty foods)
- Peapod (is this still a thing? Has anyone used it?)
Electronics
- BestBuy.com
- WalMart.com
- Target.com
- Drop.com: Unfortunately, it's whatever happens to be a deal at the time. So good to check in on and get alerts if there is something you're waiting for but not reliable.
- TechnaBob: Same as Drop
- NewEgg: Obviously
- Monoprice: For cables and other staples.
Clothes (basics like socks, t-shirts, underwear, etc.)
Clothes (designer)
- Gilt.com is basically for overstock and weird fashion items. Sometimes there are good finds there though, particularly good deals on designer versions of basics.
Random stuff (specifically random "flea market" type sites)
- Meh.com
- Etsy (for handicrafts and consignment/antiques, although this is also starting to get lousy with shitty knockoffs)
- eBay (can be pretty dodgy, once again crappy knockoff scammers ruin everything)
- CraigsList (if you're okay with used)
Other (specialty sites for very specific things)
- Drop: For stuff in drop communities. Currently they have a very active one for mechanical keyboards along with audiophile gear, writing/stationary, EDC, and random tech.
- The Clymb: A deal site for camping clothes and outdoor gear
- REI.com: More outdoors gear
36 votes -
Security guard in Flint, Michigan, shot and killed after asking Family Dollar shopper to wear mask
22 votes -
The more Patagonia rejects consumerism, the more the brand sells
9 votes -
At overloaded thrift shops across the USA, coronavirus is wreaking havoc
6 votes -
Amazon predicts shrinking profit on pandemic expenses
7 votes -
The anti-Amazon alliance
6 votes -
Calling me a hero only makes you feel better
17 votes -
Iceland wins EU trademark battle against United Kingdom-based supermarket chain
7 votes -
Amazon-owned Whole Foods is quietly tracking its employees with a heat map tool that ranks which stores are most at risk of unionizing
20 votes -
Walmart to require all employees wear face masks starting Monday
6 votes -
How to encourage clicks without the shady tricks
3 votes -
Amazon threatens to suspend French deliveries after court order
5 votes -
PetSmart pressures dog groomers to come into work as "essential labor"
8 votes -
Google sheet of (US) food companies who are still shipping during pandemic, promo codes where available
13 votes -
Amazon warehouse warned staff not to touch shipments for twenty-four hours
9 votes -
Shopping in LA? Cover your face or get tossed, Garcetti orders
6 votes -
Seed sellers across North America have been overwhelmed by skyrocketing demand in recent weeks
15 votes -
Boston authorities shut down GameStop and stores close statewide
8 votes -
What everyone’s getting wrong about the toilet paper shortage
11 votes -
Inside the story of how H-E-B planned for the pandemic
8 votes -
Norway's hazmat booksellers – two Oslo bookshop owners deliver books wearing full hazmat suits and gas masks in order to raise local awareness
4 votes -
Whole Foods employees are staging a nationwide "sick-out"
16 votes -
Walmart amps up its virus response for workers
3 votes -
My family owns a grocery store. The supply chain is a real problem
11 votes -
Amazon workers to strike at New York site on virus concerns
9 votes -
Don’t panic about shopping, getting delivery or accepting packages
9 votes -
Home bakers have created an international yeast shortage. Shelves are empty, but stores say it’s temporary
11 votes -
Costco will not allow returns on high-demand items like toilet paper, water and more
19 votes -
The great toilet paper scare of 1973
6 votes -
Best Buy, GameStop limit stores to curbside pickup
5 votes -
Amazon Prime delivery delays are now as long as a month
11 votes -
Why we buy weird things in times of crisis
10 votes -
Amazon raises overtime pay for warehouse workers
3 votes -
How Mrs. Meyer’s took over the hand soap aisle
7 votes -
'Buy as much as possible' - Taiwan sees boon to panic buying
4 votes -
Video game retail chain GameStop classifies itself as "essential retail" to justify its stores staying open despite lockdowns
14 votes -
Need to stock your pantry? These LA restaurants are temporarily flipping to corner stores.
4 votes -
The nation is shutting down. For Walmart, it’s time to step up
5 votes -
Dollar General cuts store hours, dedicates hour to senior shoppers during coronavirus pandemic
8 votes -
Amazon suspends all warehouse shipments except medical supplies and ‘high-demand’ products until April 5th
14 votes -
San Francisco mayor calls for calm — panic at grocery stores and pot dispensaries ensues
6 votes -
Amazon is suspending all shipments other than medical supplies and household staples to its warehouses
8 votes -
Amazon ramps hiring, opening 100,000 new roles to support people relying on Amazon’s service
7 votes -
Amazon glitch stymies Whole Foods, fresh grocery deliveries
7 votes -
Drive-through nation
@skybrian: You know what we need right now? Drive-through nation. Imagine @Walmart and Costco converting to drive-through only. You put in your order somehow and wait in the car. Workers wearing masks and gloves take stuff off shelves. It would actually create jobs.
4 votes