Wal-Mart is one of those names that can get a reaction out of people in Eugene. And usually not a good one. As a consumer, I don’t like Wal-Mart. Much of this has been said before about the retail chain and will likely be said again. Many of us could go on and on about why we don’t like Wal-Mart. Still it’s a place to get many things cheaply and all in one place. So I get why people go there. We have all heard the stories of bad labor practices. Obviously those issues are not enough of a concern to deter their customers. For most of the products they sell I have a hard time justifying why someone should or should not buy there.

Except craft beer. Buying your Oreos at Wal-Mart or razors makes some sense if they cost less and it is convenient to get to Wal-Mart. In doing so money you spend leaves the local economy. With many products it is inevitable and we will gladly live with money leaving the local economy as long as we can get what we need.

What I do not understand is why buy craft beer at a Wal-Mart? The craft beer selection is terrible. They do have Deschutes, Sierra Nevada, and even Lagunitas. The majority of your selection however, is what companies like the dreaded  Anheuser-Busch InBev decide. Like many of the products available at Wal-Mart, most of the dollars leave the city.

They do have beers I like, but the local spots have so much more!

With craft beer on the other hand, Eugene can see the benefits of buying local. The continuing transformation of the Whiteaker neighborhood in Eugene is a perfect example. Not that many years ago Ninkasi opened and continues to thrive. And they invest heavily in this community. By helping the local community they succeed. They sponsor local recreation teams and events to benefit local charities. Since the opening and expansions of the Ninkasi Brewery, the Whittaker neighborhood has attracted new businesses and is looking to become a craft beer destination in Eugene. Other local breweries Oakshire, Hop Valley, and Falling Sky are now opening locations in the Whiteaker neighborhood. All of this is local dollars being spent here and creating a positive impact on the city. That is the power of buying local.

Along with economic benefits, buying local also fosters a stronger sense of community. In a grocery store I have never seen the customers stop and talk to each other about the products they love. At local bottle shops and brew pubs this is commonplace. Visit 16 Tons or the Bier Stein and you will find the atmosphere is friendly and people visit with each other, ask you about what you are drinking and what you are looking forward to drinking.
At Wal-Mart my discovery of new Mega Stuffed Oreos was a complete accident. There was no Oreo loving group eagerly awaiting the release date and chatting about other Oreo styles. Because there is no community there.

Looking for a 22oz? Browse Wal-Mart’s selection.

I know people are still going to buy some craft beer at Wal-Mart. Some things don’t change. I know you can get Ninkasi at Wal-Mart now. Some things do change. But if you are looking to buy craft beer in the first place, make the effort to visit the large selection of a local bottle shop or one of the local breweries themselves. I can guarantee the experience will be far more rewarding than the long lines, fluorescent lights and very very limited selection of a Wal-Mart.