Reply #15: I'd love to vote with my pocketbook, but come down here [View All]

[Captiosus]

And show me a local independent java shop.
Or a local donut shop.

You can't, because there are none.
They've all been squeezed out by big box stores.

You want a coffee? You get to go to Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, 7-11, or any fast food joint.
You want a donut? You get to go to Krispy Kreme, Dunkin Donuts or.. ugh.. WalMart.

There are no "mom and pop" stores where I live. Only big box, "major chain" shops.

On edit: I realize this is probably where your rant intersects with mine, and we agree that the big box stores have trashed our small retail businesses. Sadly, far too many people prefer the perceived "convenience" of big box stores and the few mom and pop retail shops that have popped up in recent years have gone bankrupt in less than two years.