Thanks for the link to the case study regarding chain vs. independent retailers. I've also really appreciated the postings on big box vs. local retailers.
I've been thinking a lot about this topic, and am beginning to think that this need not be an either/or choice. Local and independent retailers that can succeed in lower-income neighborhoods (like the Houston's supermarket)are a fabulous addition to the landscape. However, they strike me as likely to be few and far between. At the same time, it's true that the track record of Wal-Mart and the like is pretty dismal in essentially ripping through low-income neighborhoods and rural areas, leaving a trail of broken promises and empty real estate. There should be a better way to do this kind of retail development. A few ideas I'm pondering and would welcome reaction to: 1) Profitability is a somewhat subjective measure. In the case of the Target on West Broadway, was that store's formula for profitability the same as their Saint Louis Park stores? If so, should it be? 2) Can we create situations where local entrepreneurs and neighborhood groups have an ownership stake in retail development that is, perhaps, still supplied by or managed by national retailers...so we get a local voice and stake, while still taking advantage of the incredible economies of scale that Walgreen's, Target, or Cub brings to bear? There are a few good examples of this in the grocery and drugstore arena elsewhere in the country. 3) Could our public funds be used to facilitate the relationships as described in #2, rather than outright subsidies to businesses to locate? 4) Can franchising be an avenue toward blending local ownership and the efficiencies of being part of a larger enterprise? I look forward to ideas, reactions, and potential investors for this work :-) Thanks. TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
