09-20-2007, 08:07 PM
just want to second AkoniV's post ...
mom and pop stores on the mainland are another matter ...
here, we are held hostage by shipping issues for our basic needs ... from the beginning, mainland retailers were resisted here by the BIG FIVE so they could have a monopoly -- not so that the little people could make a living as retailers.
There is plenty of niche for small shops producing arts and crafts and clothing that is unique. For items that are not unique, only competition will give us a decent selection at decent price.
I renovated a house here on the East side before Home Depot opened. You know what, it SUCKED, the prices, selection and service were dreadful. When Home Depot opened, it was a world of difference, AND the offerings by other merchants IMPROVED because they couldn't get along any more running poor businesses that people had to patronize whether they were good or not.
Being on an island changes everything ... it's just not comparable to the mainland -- when I lived on the mainland I never shopped at Walmart or Kmart or even Sears ... I looked down on them ... lol, how times have changed for me.
mom and pop stores on the mainland are another matter ...
here, we are held hostage by shipping issues for our basic needs ... from the beginning, mainland retailers were resisted here by the BIG FIVE so they could have a monopoly -- not so that the little people could make a living as retailers.
There is plenty of niche for small shops producing arts and crafts and clothing that is unique. For items that are not unique, only competition will give us a decent selection at decent price.
I renovated a house here on the East side before Home Depot opened. You know what, it SUCKED, the prices, selection and service were dreadful. When Home Depot opened, it was a world of difference, AND the offerings by other merchants IMPROVED because they couldn't get along any more running poor businesses that people had to patronize whether they were good or not.
Being on an island changes everything ... it's just not comparable to the mainland -- when I lived on the mainland I never shopped at Walmart or Kmart or even Sears ... I looked down on them ... lol, how times have changed for me.