Do you shop at the competitors than you work for?

I would do the same thing as you. But I never really worked for anyone that had a competitor before.

Maybe you could ask your boss to carry that brand of cat food? We are similar here. SIL works for Blue Bell Creameries. We only buy Blue Bell from the grocery store. SIL can bring it home from work at cost, and they just take it out of his paycheck.

This question came up in an interview once, actually. I have had an account with Netflix for ... probably about 3 years now and I had an interview with Blockbuster where they asked if we (it was a mass interview) would be willing to pay for a Blockbuster account. I guess I would if it was do it or lose my job but honestly I don't see that their service is better than what I have with Netflix. And in my recent job search, applying for just anything and everything, I'm certain to come across more businesses where I don't actually shop. I understand if the store (restaurant, whatever) sells what you want to buy but if not you shouldn't be required or guilted into buying from them. In my previous job, everyone who worked there had hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise (coats, hats...) from a customer/vendor we worked with. Everyone except me because I didn't like what they were selling. It was uncomfortable and expensive and totally not my style so I saw no reason to spend my money on something I'd never wear. And no one ever said anything but I could tell it wasn't really acceptable.

I think we really need to be practical and realistic about things. If you can get a product of the same quality but at a cheaper price at a competitor's store, then by all means buy it from them. In your case, I don't see anything wrong about it. Your store doesn't offer the product you need. The competitor has it. I don't see any alternative but for you to buy from them

I was also never employed in retail so I haven't actually tried going for the competitor for stuff that I need. But I guess if I am and when I really don't have a choice and it's a really important buy, then I guess I just have to do and get it from the competitor.

I just started a job at a liquor store and I shop at competitors store because they are cheaper. I get a 5% discount and it's still cheaper at the other store.

I am not in retail so no, I do not deal with the competition. I think as far as pet foods, you have to go with what works for you. So, if your company cannot or will not get what you need, you have to go to the competition

i did work for a manufacturing company for several years. i loved and still love our ice cream. the competitor's hotdog is still number one, then and now. i liked our softdrink for a while, but now i'm back to coke or mountain dew when it's available. that's because i don't drink them every day.