Another solution. . .find a small city, perhaps even fairly isolated. . .which stands against national franchises. Then get elected as a city commissioner. . . and stand against such movements. ..
There are still cities that will not allow WalMart, Staples, Home Depot, Walgreens, Kroger, even Dennys . . .favoring their own local grocer, the local hardware, the pharmacist that has been in the same location for over 80 years. . . and may allow one or two fast food restaurants, but that's about it.
It can be done. . . provided those within the city continue to patronize the local stores. . . there must be a like mindedness. . .what happens is the local economy stays local. . .the local bank finances the local beauty shop, the shop owner contracts a local sub-contractor to buy supplies at local hardware. . .etc. etc. the money stays in the town.
This works best when the town is fairly self-sufficient and is not reliant on a nearby larger city, which may have these franchises. The smaller the town and the more isolated it is the longer a Main Street America can exist. . . provided those running the town remain against such change. It is hardly a perfect system and will certainly remain fragile. . .but it beats throwing up the hands and giving up.
Since I wrote yesterdays article, I have recalled about a half-dozen business owner friends of mine that were run out over the years. . . even dozens [hundreds?] of Christian bookstores were put out of biz by Family Bookstores. . .it reaches into all parts of town. . . think about it. . . Jiffy Lube, MotoPhoto, Fantastic Sams, Dollar General, Midas, Toys R Us, PetsMart, etc. etc.
When I visit my folks in Ohio. . .there are several food shops that are "must visits" . . .the homemade candy store with easily the finest chocolates anywhere. . .the velvety smooth homemade ice cream which must ship out with dry ice on FedEx, due to so many addicts. . . the local Kosher deli with great kiffels or next door Italian deli with the aged imported provolone. . .
Then there is the old guy that does such a great job on the custom jewelry from my designs. . . .or the local herbalist that knows everything. . .or the local computer guy with all the answers and the ability to fix anything. . . the auto mechanic that can fix any imported car. . .the custom furniture makers. . .the craftsmen. . etc.
Fortunately, back there Hardees, Wendys, Dominos! Jiffy-Lube and a franchised drug store all went OUT-OF-BUSINESS. . .due to the appreciation of the local restaurants, pizza shops, pharmacist, etc. No telling how long this will hold. By contrast there are nearby cities with dead Main Streets.
Such Old Fashioned towns do exist. . .though I don't know if there is an organized list of such. Imagine if there were just one state in America where national franchises were not allowed. . .what would be the benefits or the fallout?
The State of Utopia?
Rande Is |
