Understand that I don't particularly care for WalMart. I avoid shopping there for a variety of reasons (most of which would continue to keep me away even if all the employees were eccentric millionaires in perfect health), but I don't technically boycott the store because I sometimes end up going there when other stores are closed or I can't find a particular thing elsewhere. For me, it is the store of last resort. (I have a similar distaste for Menards, but will no doubt make a purchase there someday.)
Still, if I were searching for specialty container plants (or what have you) and hadn't found what I needed at Fleet Farm, Target, K-Mart, or Shopko, I would probably check out WalMart. And if WalMart had what I wanted, I would probably buy it.
And speaking only as a consumer, I doubt I would even look at Sherwood Gardens.
This is not simply a matter of looking for a better price (though that can be a significant factor sometimes) or not appreciating the personal attention a small business can provide (even something as disconcerting as store employees dropping by unexpectedly). It is a matter of knowing where to go: Prior to reading the e-mail below, I had no idea that Sherwood Gardens existed or wanted my business, and I certainly wouldn't have thought to seek them out. (The same cannot be said of the near ubiquitous WalMart.)
As local businesses respond to the "threat" of WalMart (and ongoing competition from existing chain stores), they may wish to concentrate efforts on promotion and the creation of niche markets (i.e., items/services unavailable at WalMart and other places) rather than fighting a losing battle for the right to sell widgets to the masses. (For some thoughts on this type of shift in thinking, I suggest checking out The Learning Paradox by Jim Harris.)
-Spencer Madsen
Sharon Ropes wrote:
Gina and all,May I ask what your local retail business is, Gina? I am curious because you are the fourth small business owner that I've heard from in the last few days who is very worried about Wal-Mart. An earlier writer asked for a list of 10 local businesses that weren't owned by national/international corporations. You sound as if your business should be on that list.It is important for us to know which of our neighbors might be at risk if Wal-Mart comes to Winona. If we keep real families with Winona stores in mind as we discuss the impacts of a local Wal-Mart, a picture larger than simple consumer savings begins to appear.Here's another example of an at-risk Winona business: These folks would never complain, but their extraordinary customer service prompts me to advocate for them. (Will a Wal-Mart garden employee drop by my house to check on a perennial I bought, or search through catalogs to special order a rare plant for me?)Steve and Toni Sherwood have invested their lives, savings and long hours into managing a successful garden center, Sherwood Gardens. Now they wonder how long they will survive when the new Wal-Mart can undersell the same specialty container plants, drawing shoppers away from a longtime local garden center.It is frightening for smart, skilled business leaders who've served Winonans and our assorted causes (fundraisers, schools, community events, etc) to realize their family's future is teetering on the coat tails of a giant's whim.Modest hometown businesses cannot compete with the extraordinary economic resources of the world's largest retailer. Our small businesses are the backbone of a healthy, diverse and responsive Minnesota economy.Are there more local business people who read WOD who have other perspectives to add?Sharon Erickson Ropes----- Original Message -----From:Gina and RobSent: Tuesday, July 15, 2003 10:56 PMSubject: [Winona] re; walmart
Online Democracy:It makes me sad. I guess expressing opinions is what it is all about but I had hoped we would all think that the Big Brother thing was bad. I can already see the closed stores...I guess if you are going to La Crosse to go to Walmart, as you have been for the last seven or so years, the thought of STILL having to make that beautiful drive is awful. What is twenty minutes one way if you have been doing it without complaint for this long.This town is not big enough for all of us. Watch and see. As a retailer, I have tears in my eyes for whoever has to close their doors. I pray it is not me.My husband is out of work. My customers are out of work. We need industry. We need jobs with full time and benefits.I guess my husband can apply for a job at Wendys....gina mikols
