Would America be better off without superstores and large retail chains? (sales, stock)

[Markey]

My answer to this question is definitely YES!! The big chains serve mediocre food, give horrible service and are ruining our environment. So many cities have abandoned shops and warehouses which could be utilized for new stores, housing and shops. Instead of using those spaces the big boxes use more of our resources to build further outside of the city core which requires their shoppers to drive miles to reach. This not only adds to our traffic problems but for all of the perceived savings it can be difficult for some to actually make it to the store because they don't own a car or can't afford the gas. I could go on an on about this problem but in my mind the answer is simple-think globally and buy locally. When my mom raised us on $5/hour she was only able to put food on our table by the small businesses extending her credit-without those generous business owners we would have been on the street. Buy a house in a walker-friendly neighborhood, buy your goods at the local stores and count your blessings that there are still giving the little guy a shot to succeed. Wal-Mart has brainwashed so many people that they are the best value. Do you really, really think they have your best interest at hand? We can vote with our dollars-take a look around your house-do you really NEED that new pair of undies, socks, tv etc? Chances are no-the previous generation was raised to use it, repair it or live without it.

[gardener34]

The big box by us does not give people the best value all the time. I am always finding comparable items cheaper at other stores. The quality of the school supplies are often better at the dollar store by us. The big box quality has consistently been getting more "fall apart cheap" over the years. You're not saving money buying that stuff, if you have to buy it twice because the first time it fell apart.
Every time I buy a replacement, it seems that the replacement item (underwear, sox, etc.) is just a little bit thinner (fabric) and cheaper in comparison, each time.

[dgz]

I have mixed feelings. Although I like all the choices offered by a Lowes or Best Buy, I miss the smaller businesses too. I love shopping at a small hardware store or an old book store where I gradually get to know the people who work there. It creates a more personal experience vs. a consumer experience, and I'm sure that for people working there, they might also find some reward in getting to know their customers and having more impact on their working environment

Although I can understand the convenience offered by a large mega-store, I don't know why chain restaurants are so appealing. I suppose that they offer predictability. If someone eats at a Chillis in Boston, then they'll feel more comfortable with their food decisions if they eat at a Chillis in Chicago. But when I'm traveling, I want to eat at restaurants that are unique to where I'm visiting. I like the thought that perhaps the owner and two other people decided what they were going to put on the menu or how they were going to decorate the restaurant. There is so much of the personal touch that has been lost today.

[Old Man Winter]

We try not to use the big box stores and chains if at all possible. I boycott Walmart and everything else the corp. has it's filthy hands in. I would like to see the Mom and Pop stores come back.

[NewToCA]

The odd thing is that I find this to be a somewhat regional issue. Out here in the Northern California area, especially around San Francisco, the big box chains don't really have all that strong a presence. Mom and Pop stores are very strong and pervasive. Same in Philly and Boston, two other areas I know pretty well back east. However, in places like Columbus, Omaha, Kansas City and Cleveland they dominate the markets. Not familiar with Texas or Florida, but I would think they would be strong there too.

[NCN]

I remember when Lowes Hardware was one store in Wilkes County, North Carolina. They were notorious for ignoring shoppers even then.

[Jaxson]

Wal Mart came into our towns and ran mom & pop out. Now the only choice we have is Wal Mart and they are dirty, unfriendly and crowded. If we want a choice we have to travel 25+ miles one way for it.

[thepizzaguy]

They are larger employers than mom and pop stores. That's a give in. Unfortunately, these superstores are filled with merchandise from China, if they were filled with MADE IN THE USA, they would be even better.

[Shopaholic]

I do value the smaller, locally owned stores but sometimes I don't have time to go all over the place to get different things. The larger stores have what I need all in one place so it means less stops for me. If I had more time, I would gladly go to the smaller stores.

[NewToCA]

Originally Posted by Shopaholic

I do value the smaller, locally owned stores but sometimes I don't have time to go all over the place to get different things. The larger stores have what I need all in one place so it means less stops for me. If I had more time, I would gladly go to the smaller stores.

How on earth can you call yourself Shopaholic, yet find it difficult to find time to shop??? I would think that instead, you would find it annoying to set time aside for anything BUT shopping!