The Fight Against Big Stores, Who Is the Real Bully?

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The fight against big stores, who is the real bully? ENG122: English Composition II The fight against big stores, who is the real bully? Chain stores are often surrounded by criticism for destroying smaller stores which seems an ironic assessment considering the consumers themselves play such a vital role in their success. Not much is ever mentioned about the smaller stores that thrived as a result of the big stores. Big stores (chain stores) are the result of when a small store (independent store) becomes successful and is able to expand into multiple locations. They are successful for many reasons that are important to customers and smaller stores can benefit greatly by operating next to a big store. Testimony from small store owners and studies show that big stores have the potential to be a positive addition to any community including the surrounding smaller stores. Many studies have been performed showing evidence that small stores that are located near big stores have experienced increased sales as a result of an increased traffic flow of customers from the larger store. Purdue University conducted a study consisting of 101 entrepreneurs between the times of 2004-2006 asking why they decided to start a business. (Goessling, 2007) Small business owners learned of the different opportunities for small businesses afforded by big stores. One such opportunity is for small businesses to advertise and provide discounts on the back of receipts from big stores. Advertising or special discounts on the back of the receipts can attract big store customers to their smaller store. Another lucrative business opportunity is the increase of customers that would not be possible if it were not for the draw of the big stores. Payless Shoe Source is an example of a smaller store, though it is a chain store, located next to many Wal-Mart and Target
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