Reply #11: As much as I can

[1gobluedem]

My two favorite grocery stores are local family-owned chains that are only in SE Michigan. I try to shop the Farmers' Market for produce in summer and fall. I know Borders is a chain but it did start in Ann Arbor so that's where I shop for books.

Ann Arbor is crawling with independent restaurants, pizza places, etc (Domino's originated here too but I'm not crazy about their pizza plus I used to work at the HQ in the 80s which was insane), so I am very lucky there. I'm not sure I've ever eaten at a chain restaurant -- with the exception of fast food -- here.

Clothes, well that's a different story. Most of the local places are either priced way too high for my budget or are geared to skinny little college girls. I order most of my clothes from catalogues.