In a region where the economy is heavily influenced by seasonal visitors, the impact of the big boxes can be swift and devastating. When everyone shops for price and convenience, the local establishments eventually dry up and go away. It's sad -- if they opened up a Cheesecake Factory in the Weirs, I'm sure it would do quite well, particularly in summer, but at the expense of many family-owned eateries. When they lose customers, they close shop. Conversely, if the big boxes don't realize a profit, they shrug, issue pink slips, and move on to the next pin in the map.
I ain't made of cash (family of six) either, but will always support the local businesses first -- the hell with the big box marts. I support Bradley Hardware over Home Depot, Hall's Pharmacy over Rite-Aid, etc.
But I digress...and am not disparaging Hannaford's, as I know nothing of the store. It was Starbucks that set me off.
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"When I die, please don't let my wife sell my dive gear for what I told her I paid for it."
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