Look local to save money

I was always under the impression that local shops were more expensive than big chains because they have less competition and so can get away with higher prices despite the lower rents than they would pay in the town centre.
However today I was suprised to find out that in my local shopping area there is a pet shop that is selling items far lower than the big chain pet shops. She can save you about 25% on normal prices. It just goes to show that it is worth shopping around, especially before you make an expensive purchase (like a cockatiel cage!!).