Why Buy Local: Brothers Main vs. Big Box

With a larger selection, lower prices and better service, Brothers Main beats big box stores every time. Learn more.

If you’re in the market for a new appliance, TV or mattress, you might be wondering why you should shop at locally-owned Brothers Main instead of a big box store. Doesn’t shopping locally mean less options? Isn’t it more expensive? It might surprise you, but the answer to both of these questions is “no.”

As southern Wisconsin’s leading appliance retailer since 1936, we know the industry and compete with national chains every day.

In this article we provide an insider's perspective on the difference between buying local versus big box, so you can decide for yourself which option is right for you.

We’ll discuss the following reasons to choose Brothers Main for your next purchase:

• Larger selection

• Lower prices

• Dishwashers

• Better service

• Money stays local

Keep reading to learn more about each of these benefits.

Larger Selection

When it comes to selection, big box stores typically limit your choices to the most popular items, colors and sizes.

At Brothers Main, on the other hand, we carry just about every major appliance you could want. Our extensive inventory is complete with kitchen, laundry and outdoor appliances from leading brands like Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, LG and Electrolux. As well as cult-favorite classics like Wisconsin’s own Speed Queen.

With the widest selection of in-stock appliances in southern Wisconsin, our experienced sales representatives can work with you to find the perfect solution for your lifestyle.

Stop into any of our showrooms to enjoy the following perks:

• Immediate availability: Forget frustrating backorders and long wait times. With thousands of products ready to go in our showrooms and warehouse, you can take your dream appliances home today.

• More informed purchasing: Seeing potential purchases in person helps give you a sense of how they will fit in your home, both practically and aesthetically.

• No crowds: You’ll never have to race another customer for the last product or deal with long checkout lines at Brothers Main.

Lower Prices

It’s a common misconception that big box stores offer lower prices than local businesses like Brothers Main. On the contrary, we’re committed to providing our customers with the best deal possible on every purchase.

From sales to delivery and installation, we’ve got you covered.

Low Price Guarantee

Every purchase you make at Brothers Main is backed by our 30-day low price guarantee. This means that if, within 30 days of delivery, you find the same new model available for purchase at a lower price from a local competitor (even big box!), we will refund the difference.*

By the same token, our sales team is trained to help you find and claim every discount, rebate or other savings program offered by the manufacturer.

Free Delivery

We offer our customers free drop-off delivery on any appliance or mattress purchase of $399 or more within a 25-mile distance from any of our three showrooms.

Delivery is available outside of this range, though additional mileage charges apply.

Extended Warranties

It can be costly to repair or replace your product after the manufacturer warranty expires. To protect your purchase beyond the manufacturer warranty, we’re pleased to offer more comprehensive protection plans with two, three and five-year terms from the date of delivery.

Our extended protection plans cover everything the manufacturer warranties cover and more. This includes product breakdowns and damage from power surges, plus mechanical and electrical failures during normal use.

Additionally, if your Brothers Main protection plan goes unused, we provide store credit for the full amount of the coverage plan.**

Better Service

Beyond a larger selection and lower prices, the service and experience that Brothers Main provides further sets us apart from big box competitors.

From in-store shopping to delivery, installation and follow-up, we’re here for you every step of the way.

Expert Salespeople

For low-stakes items, like snacks and toiletries, customer service doesn't really come into play. But for larger-ticket items you rely on every day, like appliances, it’s incredibly important.

Because big box stores sell so many different items, you can’t rely on them for extensive product knowledge or personalized recommendations.

But at Brothers Main, our friendly sales staff are appliance experts with an eye for detail. They know the ins and outs of every single product and will help you choose the best fit for your home and budget.

Delivery Done Right

Once you’ve bought a product, the next step is getting it to your home. Any big box retailer will provide you with basic tracking information, but if you’ve ordered something like a refrigerator or stove, you might need help getting it inside and hooking it up.

This is where local delivery is better.

While drop-off delivery is an option, our in-house delivery team makes it easy to get your new purchase safely delivered and professionally set up.

Our efficient crew will safely deliver and install your appliances with care, expertise and precision. Every team member goes through a comprehensive training program in order to keep current with all of the products that we carry. We can answer any questions you may have, offer tips on care and maintenance and even haul away your old unit.

When we deliver your appliances, you can rest assured that the job will be done correctly.

Top-Notch Customer Support

When shopping from big box retailers, you’re likely dealing with a representative who is hundreds of miles away and won’t be available to help resolve your issue all the way through.

On the flip side, our customer support team is made up of local professionals dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction. Everything we do is geared towards showing each and every customer how much we care about their needs and delivering the results you want.

Money Stays Local

Finally, shopping at Brothers Main does more than just guarantee you’ll get the best products at the lowest prices. It also provides a boost to your community.

Did you know that every dollar spent at an independent business returns three times more money to your local economy than one dollar spent at chain stores? According to one analysis, if a community collectively shifted just 10% of its spending from chains to local businesses, it would bring an additional $127 million per year to their local economy and generate 874 new jobs.

At the end of the day, your community isn’t just a place on the map. It’s people – neighbors, friends and families – and all of the opportunities we create together.

We’ve been lucky enough to call southern Wisconsin home for the past 84 years and are proud to be a part of its continued business growth.

Shop Local at Brothers Main Today

We know you have a lot of options when it comes to where to purchase your new appliances. When you choose family-owned Brothers Main, you can rest assured that you’ll get the best products, the best prices and the best service available.

Stop by any of our showrooms – we have locations in East Madison, West Madison and Janesville – or shop online to experience the Brothers Main difference for yourself.

*Exclusions apply to floor models, closeouts and scratch-and-dents.

**Store credit is valid for one year after the coverage plan’s expiration date and must be used on appliances or mattresses $499 and up.