The following study shows prices for various everyday items that our consumers in the area shop for in Cortez, Durango and Farmington. This study was conducted during the fall of 2010. Similar items (or identical items, as available) were compared at each store's regular suggested posted prices.

Overall, you can see through the comparison of prices, Cortez Businesses consistently have comparable or better prices per item than other stores that provide the same or similar items located in Durango and Farmington.

Additional factors we must take into consideration when shopping is an individual's amount of time they have to go shopping, the cost of gas and warranty and service issues from stores that are out of town.

Some people enjoy the drive to Durango or Farmington so they can "get out of town for the day" and enjoy walking through the mall. We must consider this factor as it does increase the enjoyment for some and is a real reason why some people do go to Durango and Farmington. Another reason we must consider is doctor visits. Several out of town doctors are popular with our consumers. In these cases you generally are looking at spending a total of 6 to 8 hours traveling, going to an appointment, eating and shopping when you go out of town. Other consumers just don't have the time in their schedules or don't like taking that much time to shop. They prefer going inside a store to get what they need and get out.

The second factor is the cost of gas related to going to Durango or Farmington.

• Durango: 94 miles round trip at 22 miles per gallon (average) and $3.10 per gallon
• (47 x 2 = 94/22 = 4.28 gallons x $3.10 per gallon = $13.27)
• Approximately $14.00 in just gas costs not to mention wear and tear on your vehicle

• Farmington: 154 miles round trip at 22 miles per gallon (average) and $3.10 per gallon
• (77 x 2 = 154/22 = 7 gallons x $3.10 per gallon = $21.70)
• Approximately $22.00 in just gas costs not to mention wear and tear on your vehicle

The third factor has to do with warranty and service issues which depend upon each individual item and store in which you purchased that item at. If an item must be returned you need to factor in an additional trip to return the item when calculating your transportation costs.

The main reason behind the Cortez Retail Enhancement Association (CREA) conducting this price item study was to help our consumers realize that our businesses here in Cortez have products, services and prices comparable to retailers in Durango and Farmington. Putting all the reasons aside why consumers go to Durango and Farmington and look at the economics of the study, you can see Cortez Businesses can give you your products you use at better prices and save you time. The money and time you save shopping in Cortez can be used for other activities your family can enjoy.

We will continue to update the study on a quarterly basis with different products and businesses highlighted.

If you have any thoughts, ideas, suggestions or would like to see a specific price study done on certain items of interest, please contact Gayel at the CREA office at 564-4095 or email her the information at gayel@shopcortez.com.