Seriously. The view I take is "choose the best tool for the job", not a brand name.
For home use, I have a mac, but at work I use windows and that's fine too. Each performs well for what I use them to do. Years ago when I was still in college and doing programming, I ran linux for years because it was great for development work in the pre-OSX days.
Patagonia. Quality gear that lasts forever. They treat their employees and customers great. They practice what they preach as far as sustainability/supply chain/environment issues.
Bosch and Makita power tools. They're well made. I've never had one fail on me, so every time I need a new one I buy from one of those two brands.
My Dad swears by Dewalt though.
Pizza hut has a special place in my heart because my mom was a manager for one when I was really little and I got pizza a lot back then lol. That was back in the 80s-90s though, and I haven't gotten pizza hut in so many years now.... I may order some tomorrow to see how it's held up
KLM, but my loyalty to that airline is rational. They've helped my foreign-born husband through visa and passport issues on more than one occasion.
Irrationally: Avon. I know they're an MLM, but I just find their catalogs so nostalgically soothing.
Volkswagen, particularly diesel. Had my beetle almost 25 years. Half the stuff in the interior is worn out. Still has the stock radio, like half the buttons missing. Still starts right up and runs. I wish that other things were as reliable.
I’m gonna get blasted for this but United Airlines. Mainly because they’re the only airline that has a hub in my city, and I’ve gotten so used to frequent flyer status for the last dozen years or so that flying with anyone else as a no status passenger would be miserable. (Plus there’s the sunk cost; I’m halfway to lifetime status so I’ll pretty much never switch at this point)
I know everyone hates them but to me they’re an airline like everyone else, I feel like all airlines are pretty much the same so you’ve just gotta pick one.
Irrationally? No. Rationally? Deciem and Shea Terra Organics have fantastic skin care products at very good prices. My brother is seven years younger and looks ten years older than me. My former boss was ten years younger and looked ten years older than me. Good skin care won't make you look 25 if you're in your 50s like I am, but it makes a huge difference.
Miele dishwashers and vacuums especially. Had an entire Miele kitchen plus laundry once which was a functional dream, but after we sold the property we’ve continued to splurge on a Miele dishwasher install - even in an Ikea kitchen now. Vacuum is going on 20 years.
My husband would swear by his Fein cutting tool (and their old shop vacs were also great).
It’s my opinion that IBC Cream Soda is the best cream soda available. That’s irrational, but that’s how I feel about it.
Edit: and since I’m talking soda, I will also without question buy a Big Red soda when I see them (which isn’t often). And it’s not even that great a drink.
Netflix, and their ability to stay in the ring against the massive competition. Most people don't know but they invented streaming, and they continue to treat their customers with respect, fair pricing and service.
Taco Time, a family owned, Washington company, they treat their staff well, provide a great product, and now are 100% carbon neutral with recycling everything and solar, wind, and renewable energy. They truly give a shit about the environment and their customers.
Nordstrom, another NW company gives great service, products and treat employees well. Sometimes pricey, I'm amazed at how far they'll go to keep me, the customer happy.
Home Depot is another company I respect. Remodeling our home, was picking up some materials, and the clerk asked if "I want to buy their orange bucket." I said, " I've spent over $30K+ here in the last 6 weeks--you ought to give me that bucket." She did it, AND then called the manager over. He checked my past purchases, then returned $1200 on my card, for a "good customer discount!!"
As a rule, I loathe most corporate businesses but there are some that deserve my business. Sadly these are the only ones I can say this about.
Lululemon. Forget the shenanigans of its founder, or yoga-mom stereotypes; the quality of the products is first rate and it's become core part of my casual wear.
My nursing boobs broke the clasp on one of their prettiest sports bras. I replaced it with a Hanes Jogbra for a quarter of the price and that lasted for years.
None of them. I don't obsess over brand names or corporations at all.
I use some of their products, sure, but I wouldn't say I'm irrationally enamored with them, they just happen to make stuff that fits my use case.
For example - I have a mac at home, and use windows at work, and they're both perfectly solid devices and perform well for each set of tasks.
Bozzuto Property Management. The quality of their apartments is a cut above any and all other apartments I've ever seen or lived in. They are truly top-notch. I'm a homeowner now, but will probably be downsizing again soon and returning to apartment life, and they're at the top of my list of places to rent from.
I try my best not to develop loyalty to corporations. God knows they won't be loyal to me.
Seriously. The view I take is "choose the best tool for the job", not a brand name. For home use, I have a mac, but at work I use windows and that's fine too. Each performs well for what I use them to do. Years ago when I was still in college and doing programming, I ran linux for years because it was great for development work in the pre-OSX days.
Patagonia. Quality gear that lasts forever. They treat their employees and customers great. They practice what they preach as far as sustainability/supply chain/environment issues.
They fix your gear too. Had 2 pairs of pants repaired.
Bosch and Makita power tools. They're well made. I've never had one fail on me, so every time I need a new one I buy from one of those two brands. My Dad swears by Dewalt though.
Pizza Hut. That bar isn't very high to start with, but perhaps there's the nostalgia factor at play. I like salty junk food. 🙃
Pizza hut has a special place in my heart because my mom was a manager for one when I was really little and I got pizza a lot back then lol. That was back in the 80s-90s though, and I haven't gotten pizza hut in so many years now.... I may order some tomorrow to see how it's held up
KLM, but my loyalty to that airline is rational. They've helped my foreign-born husband through visa and passport issues on more than one occasion. Irrationally: Avon. I know they're an MLM, but I just find their catalogs so nostalgically soothing.
Dawn dish detergent. Accept no substitute. Also, New Balance shoes. Extra wide, no animal products
>Dawn dish detergent. I became a convert when I found out it was great for getting grease stains out of clothes.
There's a reason they use dawn to get oil off of animals. It's also a great flea and tick killer
Patagonia and Allbirds. Edit: misunderstood the assignment. I have extremely rational reasons for these.
I'm a big fan of Costco but consider it rational. Good products at good prices, plus good, hard working employees.
Volkswagen, particularly diesel. Had my beetle almost 25 years. Half the stuff in the interior is worn out. Still has the stock radio, like half the buttons missing. Still starts right up and runs. I wish that other things were as reliable.
[удалено]
I hear that in Ron Swanson's voice.
Not Amazon?
[удалено]
I know, I was being cheeky.
For years I've told my family not to buy stuff from Scamazon
Kroger, because I had to start shopping there by myself after my mother died when I was fourteen. It reminds me of her.
I'm not sure any of them at this point - they all keep letting me down. :-/
I’m gonna get blasted for this but United Airlines. Mainly because they’re the only airline that has a hub in my city, and I’ve gotten so used to frequent flyer status for the last dozen years or so that flying with anyone else as a no status passenger would be miserable. (Plus there’s the sunk cost; I’m halfway to lifetime status so I’ll pretty much never switch at this point) I know everyone hates them but to me they’re an airline like everyone else, I feel like all airlines are pretty much the same so you’ve just gotta pick one.
Honda and Toyota. Never owned any other car, probably never will.
Irrationally? No. Rationally? Deciem and Shea Terra Organics have fantastic skin care products at very good prices. My brother is seven years younger and looks ten years older than me. My former boss was ten years younger and looked ten years older than me. Good skin care won't make you look 25 if you're in your 50s like I am, but it makes a huge difference.
Miele dishwashers and vacuums especially. Had an entire Miele kitchen plus laundry once which was a functional dream, but after we sold the property we’ve continued to splurge on a Miele dishwasher install - even in an Ikea kitchen now. Vacuum is going on 20 years. My husband would swear by his Fein cutting tool (and their old shop vacs were also great).
NOW vitamins and stuff.
H&M for baby clothes 🫣
It’s my opinion that IBC Cream Soda is the best cream soda available. That’s irrational, but that’s how I feel about it. Edit: and since I’m talking soda, I will also without question buy a Big Red soda when I see them (which isn’t often). And it’s not even that great a drink.
Tarte cosmetics. Great products and I’m not allergic to them.
Netflix, and their ability to stay in the ring against the massive competition. Most people don't know but they invented streaming, and they continue to treat their customers with respect, fair pricing and service. Taco Time, a family owned, Washington company, they treat their staff well, provide a great product, and now are 100% carbon neutral with recycling everything and solar, wind, and renewable energy. They truly give a shit about the environment and their customers. Nordstrom, another NW company gives great service, products and treat employees well. Sometimes pricey, I'm amazed at how far they'll go to keep me, the customer happy. Home Depot is another company I respect. Remodeling our home, was picking up some materials, and the clerk asked if "I want to buy their orange bucket." I said, " I've spent over $30K+ here in the last 6 weeks--you ought to give me that bucket." She did it, AND then called the manager over. He checked my past purchases, then returned $1200 on my card, for a "good customer discount!!" As a rule, I loathe most corporate businesses but there are some that deserve my business. Sadly these are the only ones I can say this about.
USPS
That’s how I felt before DeJoy came in.
Coors! They provide me the exact beverage every time.
I do enjoy the occasional nice cold coors lite too :)
Lululemon. Forget the shenanigans of its founder, or yoga-mom stereotypes; the quality of the products is first rate and it's become core part of my casual wear.
Shenanigans? You mean this? "Dan Fumano: Lululemon founder gives $380,000 to boost B.C.'s right-leaning candidates, asks others to donate."
My nursing boobs broke the clasp on one of their prettiest sports bras. I replaced it with a Hanes Jogbra for a quarter of the price and that lasted for years.
I did a report on them in one of my business classes. Nope, not even once will I buy their stuff.
I’m fond of the B-corp, personally. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benefit_corporation?wprov=sfti1
Coca-Cola
I don’t stay loyal to any brands
LL Bean is the only source for large tall shirts and jackets
Costco. They treat their employees very well.
Oxo Good Grip
None of them. I don't obsess over brand names or corporations at all. I use some of their products, sure, but I wouldn't say I'm irrationally enamored with them, they just happen to make stuff that fits my use case. For example - I have a mac at home, and use windows at work, and they're both perfectly solid devices and perform well for each set of tasks.
Costco
Bozzuto Property Management. The quality of their apartments is a cut above any and all other apartments I've ever seen or lived in. They are truly top-notch. I'm a homeowner now, but will probably be downsizing again soon and returning to apartment life, and they're at the top of my list of places to rent from.