Superstores

The days of haberdasheries, shops, the proverbial “mom and pops,” make dreams of a simpler and more personal time.  Globalization, itself a provocative word, like “mega,” as in mega-store, brings us modernity, whether we want it or not.  Some are really appreciative of Wal-Mart.  On our 25th wedding anniversary, we drove around Lake Superior, from our home in the Indianapolis area, through Sault Ste. Marie, through Wawa, Ontario and eventually came to rest in Thunder Bay.  The bartender/maid at the pension, our resting place, was most excited that the local Wal-Mart had just expanded to a superstore and would assist her in saving dollars.  She was most happy.  Rightfully so.  But, many people rue the loss of the small private business to the expansion of the mega-stores.  Rightfully so.  Even though mega-stores bring many jobs, critics feel that the mega-store influx causes a net loss of jobs.  Critics hold that the politeness of small business is eclipsed by overburdened cashiers, maintaining a stiff upper lip, and reciting the greetings, thank-yous, and other utterances learnt at sales training classes.  Critics say that dozens of small business owners, a most admirable class of people, skilled in so many things that we value: independence, social skills, business skills, are eradicated – thus a loss to society and to us as neighbors.  Supporters point out that shopping at a mega-store will save the average consumer a lot of hard earned cash – like $500 dollars a year.  That money can then be used by the family for other things – necessities and luxuries alike, depending on your choice. True, true.  As for me, I will try to do my part to keep society like the “good old days.”  Avoiding the mega-store lure, is hard work.  But, the extra money that I spend at the smaller businesses (some small, some still rather large) does not hurt me that much, so I do not mind parting with it – like paying a library fine – the money is going to a good cause.  Or maybe the money is more like a church offering.  It is money well spent.