When I was growing up in the 1960s in Philadelphia, PA, almost everything my family bought was from a small shop, usually a family-run business. Quality was important. Everything had to last. Basically, we could barely afford what we bought once, much less the expense of replacing it.

Others who had more money were also accustomed to this “conscientious shopping,” but for other reasons. Perhaps they were more aware of where the money was going, wanting to support the local economy. Or, perhaps they were more focused on contributing to the greater good.

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