[Daffynition]

I love IGAs...they are usually indie grocers [non chain] in small tows where the butcher knows your name. Plus I love supporting small, local businesses rather than a big, faceless chain.

[Celtic Conservative]

We have some IGA stores in Michigan. some are nice, some are dives, it's pretty much a crapshoot. It depends on the franchisee. One of the smaller independent chains in Michigan, Spartan stores seems to be more consistent with price quality and selection. I'll go to a spartan store before a Meijers or Walmart. The prices are higher at the Spartan store, but I live in the country and the spartan is 3 minutes away whereas the chains are 20 minutes away. Once you factor in gas, the savings from the big chains are pretty much moot. Plus with the Spartan store you don't have to reenact the Bataan death march to get everything on your shopping list.

CC

[rochester_veteran]

I love IGAs...they are usually indie grocers [non chain] in small tows where the butcher knows your name. Plus I love supporting small, local businesses rather than a big, faceless chain.

They also employ many people from the local towns. My wife worked there at one time and our three kids all worked there when going through high school. We know the owner, Doug, very well and they play the coolest music, alternative and such that you normally don't hear in a supermarket. They also have the best selection craft beer in our side of the city.