Every visit to a popular store like the local Walmart or Target always poses the same obstacle in the form of one single choice: should you buy the more expensive name brand item or settle for the generic store brand? In most cases, name brands are the safest option to purchase when it comes to better style, higher quality and effectiveness/reliability.
When looking for new clothing, the high pricing that comes with popular brands like Nike, Adidas, American Eagle, etc. can scare shoppers from even trying them on in the first place. The reasoning behind the steep pricing comes from the high-quality and the fact that they are made of longer-lasting material. These clothes also have better designs and color usage that stand out among others’ outfits and can make the wearer feel more unique. Name brands have proved to create more variety in their clothes and allow for wearers to create trendy and self-expressive outfits for themselves. In comparison to more expensive brands, generic clothing brands last only a short amount time both physically and fashionably, making name-brand well worth it.
One of the trickier situations of choosing brands occurs when buying grocery items. When comparing the two, name brands are now astronomically more expensive than the store brand, especially with today’s inflation. However, with these outstanding prices, customers will receive much better quality in buying the name brand. Quality brands prove to be much fresher and better tasting when it comes to certain foods like produce and deli products. In addition, name brand groceries provide more size options and variety in their products versus the store brand’s very basic selection.
Another essential category of products that requires attention is shopping for your everyday cleaning supplies. Whatever brand choice you make can also determine the effectiveness of its cleaning power. Iconic brands such as Dawn, Lysol, Windex and Mr. Clean have proven to be miracle workers for both children and parents when applied to chores around the house. Most cheaper brands prove to not do much at all and keep things temporarily clean at best.
Sometimes, spending an extra dollar or more can really make a difference when it comes to any kind of item in the store. When considering the item’s use in a long-term perspective, buying it from a reliable brand is the wisest choice and, in all areas, will prove more beneficial than any store brand item.

Throughout history, time has proven that the concept of money being the most valuable thing one can possess is true; however, this generation has shown that very ideology to be false. Everything has become more expensive and people are opting for cheaper options. Name brand items have increased their prices due to supply costs, and for consumers, off-brand items have become a cheaper option, have been made more practical and bring the same result for just a fraction of the price.
It is safe to assume that if you have shopped at Target or Walmart, you most likely have bought their store’s brand of items. At Target, you can buy their Good & Gather oats which are a dollar cheaper than their name brand counterparts; however, no matter how much we all love Target, it isn’t exactly the most cost friendly. For an even cheaper route, instead of paying $35 for a shirt at American Eagle, you can go to Walmart and find a shirt for a fraction of that price. Walmart’s clothing selection offers a variety for all genders and a style that tries to keep up with the societal trends.
Just because something is name brand, that doesn’t always mean it is the best in the world. Many people want to buy name brand items not for the efficiency of their use, but rather for the logo. Apple has done an amazing job in advertising all of their products; however, that is exactly how many name brand items reel in consumers. Airpod Pros aren’t better than another name brands headphones, but because Apple is known for its efficient iPhones, MacBooks and watches, people automatically assume that their wireless headphones are going to be the best in the world. Products that cater to the aesthetic do not always work as well as something you can find in the electronics section of Walmart for $55 rather than $100.
It is not fully people’s fault for instantly wanting to buy something that is name brand instead of off brand. Many kids just want to fit in with other people and if that means having to wear Nikes or buy Lululemon, they’re willing to do it. Social media pushes onto people what the “ideal” teen life is and more often than not, that life is one that involves having a lot of money. The “clean girl“ look is described as having glowing skin, gold jewelry and designer clothes.
Even though off-brand items might seem less effective because it is off-brand, the next time you go and reach for something expensive ask yourself, “Would the off-brand work just as well?”