"George" wrote in message
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dpb wrote:
benick wrote:

"dpb" wrote in message
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benick wrote:
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Not to hijack the thread but if the local business can't compete you
are only prolonging the agony..Their are plenty of ways for locals to
remain competive , starting a co-op to increase buying power ,
diversefing products , providing more advice ,being open on the
weekends ect. ,ect..

OTOH, if locals simply get into the habit of either going online or out
of town routinely, it doesn't matter what the local merchant does,
either.

As for the "agony" part, one soon can learn what real agony is when
there no longer is a local grocery, pharmacy, whatever, entirely.

At that point most gladly admit they should have been more aggressive
in supporting local merchants but it's too late.

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If the reason local folk "get in the habit" of going online or out to
the outskirts to Walmart ,Sears,Target , Cosco , Homedepot , Lowes
,Walgreens , Best Buy , or the mall , ect. is because said local
merchant isn't OPEN , doesn't have the inventory or is more expensive ,

...
That isn't necessarily the only reason at all...often it is simply a
habit that has become engrained or an attempt to save a few pennies by
avoiding local/state sales taxes; meanwhile actually spending as much or
more in either travel or shipping.

I used to live in a smaller community just down the road a half-hour from
a larger place--as just one example, people regularly complained about
lack of places to eat in town. Yet, now matter how many attempted to
cater to that demand over a 10-15 year period, the persistent habits were
never overcome and none managed to survive and yet people continued to
complain there was "nowhere in town" when it was definitely not true. The
same phenomenon occurred in other retail trades as well.


The biggest thing that locals have to contend with is few people actually
pause to think. They let all of the big box whatever marketing do it for
them. You could do a great job but the big outfits can buy mindshare.

My friends' brother owns a local appliance shop. He is part of a co-op so
he is quite competitive. He and his staff are quite knowledgeable and will
do whatever extra it takes. They also open long hours just like big box.
The problem is big box tells everyone how wonderful they are with constant
marketing and folks simply drive the extra 10 miles to the mall because
locals "must be evil".

Or the local deli in my town. It is a true evil mom & pop place. They make
real soup instead of pouring it out of a bucket and make great subs on
really nice quality rolls baked by a local Italian bakery. I mention the
place whenever I have an opportunity and the usual answer is "but it isn't
subway.." When I think of subway I think consistent mediocrity. Marketing
tells another story.


Like I said people don't like running all over creation to get the things
they need...Just because they make great subs or sell competive appliances
doesn't automatically mean they will make it if they are off the beaten path
with a lack of parking and don't advertise...LOCATION , LOCATION ,
LOCATION....Instead you just call shoppers stupid...That works really
good...LOL...