LAST WEEK, the Garden City Telegram printed an editorial extolling the virtues of supporting local independent businesses.
They’re the survivors, the innovative ones not willing to give up amid a proliferation of big-box stores and online shopping options.
Independent retailers, for generations the backbone of American business, continue to be a driving force in the economy locally and throughout the nation. ...
Economic development, a hot topic of late, isn’t limited to efforts to lure industry to town. Whether it’s in crafting policies and laws that impact the business community, or simply deciding where to shop, support for independent retailers mustn’t be overlooked as an effective way to contribute to a community’s economic well-being.
The Telegram makes a good point. Shopping locally is not enough to support a local economy.
Every city of any size has its share of national or regional chain stores. They provide goods and services often not otherwise available. But while they may be within the geographical boundaries of the cities, their profits wind up in different ZIP codes.
Independent retailers, on the other hand, are rooted in their communities. Their prosperity has a direct effect on the economic health of the community. A city with strong independent retailers is a prosperous city with a strong middle class. A strong middle class can translate into many desirable things, including good schools, more cultural opportunities and increased economic mobility.
In the coming months, independent retailers, already burdened by the competition of the big national retailers, will face even greater challenges. Inflation, which has so far been confined primarily to fuel and food prices, is moving up the supply chain of other retail goods. The price of raw materials to make just about anything is rising, which drives up the cost of finished goods. The retailers — from mom and pop to Wal-Mart — are going to have to raise prices.
It is the nature of retail business that the greatest burden of these price increases will fall on the small, independent stores. In times of inflation, wages do not keep up with rising prices and the pressure is on families to reduce spending in order to have money for necessities. People who, in normal times, are willing to pay a small premium for the service and unique selection at small shops, find themselves pushed toward the big discounters.
It is important in times like these to support local retailers whenever possible. Otherwise, when inflation is brought under control and the economy swings again toward stability, Emporia could find itself no longer an economically healthy community but only an outpost of faceless national retailers.
Patrick S. Kelley
Editorial Page Editor
sciguy (anonymous) says...
"Otherwise, when inflation is brought under control and the economy swings again toward stability, Emporia could find itself no longer an economically healthy community but only an outpost of faceless national retailers."
Surely you don't think Emporia is currently economically healthy. If so, you need to take a look around town, and attend a few city government meetings.
July 29, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )