One of the great things about online maps (i.e. Google Maps, Map Quest, Yahoo Maps, etc.) is you can find stores located in your area very quickly and efficiently. For example, you can search Office Depot and find all the applicable locations and then search for Staples to see which of the two is closer. Additionally, you can usually see the store phone number listed along with their address in your map search results.

Unfortunately, this information is not always accurate. While 9 times out of 10, the map search results are correct, they are not going to be as accurate as the respective site’s store locator. Using the store locator you will always (with rare exception) get the most accurate information possible with respect to store hours, location and phone number. If a store closes or a new store is opened, it can be quite some time before the online map sites update this information while the respective site will probably be updated within a few days.

Just something to keep in mind before you drive across town.