Big Chain Store vs. Small Town Feel
Tags: change, new ideas, strategies
This is a touchy subject and one that may be better left alone, but. . . I read an article last night about the mayor of Bloomington, Indiana trying to prevent chain stores from setting up shop on the square or near the campus of IU.
The Mayor’s point was that in order to keep the “feel” of the city, large chain stores should be kept out of those two areas. The square and edge of campus have a small town feel, quaint and with character.
There are many small independent businesses in those areas that depend on the students for their livelihood. So much so, that their struggle is making it through the summer and the month of December when the majority of the students are gone. Other areas of the city do not seem to be as affected by the student population and there are many chain stores in those areas.
As I mentioned, this is a touchy subject. The article I was reading was online and there were many comments for and against this restriction. Both sides were very passionate about their point of view on this. I can appreciate what both sides are feeling. The organic business strategist in me says “sure, let them build where they want to.” The side of me that enjoys the small town feel says “no, don’t let them in those areas, it will change the feel of the city.” I am glad I am not a city planner because making those decisions would be difficult.
What I don’t understand is why a chain store would want to be in those areas of town. It seems to me that if the small independent businesses struggle through the summer months to survive, doesn’t it make sense that the chain stores in the same location would suffer the same? In fact, the chain store would have a much more difficult time surviving due to much higher overhead. A small independent store has the advantage during the slow months, of being able to run with just the owner and a small staff.
It does seem, however, that the chain store would add synergy to the area by attracting more customers. As a result, the smaller stores would get more business. It is my understanding, however, that the general population of Bloomington does not go to these areas because there is not enough parking. If the city council needs to “flex their muscle”, maybe they should require that the large chain store create parking that would be shared by the community. Handling the situation in this manner would be a win win situation.
What are your thoughts?
Other posts you may be interested in:
Tags: change, new ideas, strategies
