“Let’s get small.” – Steve Martin, circa 1970s
I think of that quote often when I let things get too big in my life. Sometimes making things smaller actually makes things better and so I trim my Facebook friends list, clean out unwanted stuff in my closet and, lately, avoid big stores during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I don’t mind waiting in lineups during the pandemic. I did recently when I had to do some banking. It’s part of life.
But if I can avoid a lineup and support a small business at the same time, then I’m going to do it.
And that’s why I’ve ditched the horrendous lineups at Costco and other big chain grocery stores and started shopping more a small Burnaby markets.
I still go to the market at Crystal Mall, with a stop at my favourite food court eateries, but I live in North Burnaby so often it’s easier to go to another favourite – the AAA market on Hastings at Rosser.
This has been a big part of my life ever since I moved back to North Burnaby. AAA has an incredible array of fresh produce, but they also sell meat, eggs, dairy and a variety of other grocery staples. I usually find most everything I need, as well as some produce and fruits big grocery stores just don’t ever sell.
And the best part, lately, is they don’t have the kind of lineups that you see everywhere else. Don’t worry, they still practice physical distancing, although the aisles are a little tight. But customers are aware of this and keep a wide berth. It’s like a shopping version of Pacman.
I have no ties to this store and I’m not saying you need to shop there. But pick any of our local tiny markets and give them some of your shopping dollars instead of always going to big corporate stores.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
