Look at what you are buying at the local supplier too. The quality of the product is usually better, and sometimes it's actually made in the US.
Just as an example, look at Dewalt stuff. Ever wonder why Lowes and HomeCheapo stuff is cheaper? Because it is. The stuff you buy at the bigger stores have the same ratings, but cheaper materials. Don't believe it? Check the part numbers. Dewalt won't warentee Lowes and home Depot bought tools.
They have such a big part of the market that if the manufacturer refuses to build them below their standards and for the cost the big box stores demand, the stores will refuse to carry them. They will carry the competitor's products and the manufacturer looses a big part of their market share.
Walmart did this to Rubbermade. They had to shut down a couple plants and lay off over a thousand workers years back.
I'll climb off that soap box now.
Basicall what I was saying is, you are getting more for the little extra you spend. How many times have you had to replace stuff you just bought at the mega stores.
Check out the dollar stores and Ocean State Job Lot for the cheap plastic stuff you need (laundry baskets, dish racks, containers, etc) I know a lot of the plastics manufacturers around Leominster supply them with that stuff.
__________________
|