LETTER: Chain mentality

EDITOR: Barbara and Carolina “limit the chains” obviously have
good intentions and a vested interest in supporting the small local
business and limiting the number of chain stores. However, before
you demand that we enact new laws to limit business growth in
Sebastopol could you please clarify a few things for me? First,
what is the definition for a chain store, and is small always good
and big always evil? Since you own a book store, I think that is a
good example. 
Obviously you would say that your business is one that people
should shop at because it is locally owned and operated.  But what
if I found out you didn¹t treat your employees well, didn¹t recycle
or drove a hummer?  Would it be OK to shop at Borders? What about
Copperfields? Is it OK by your standards if I shop there? It is a
small, local chain, but what if it expands? Will you let me know
when it gets too big?
I have a vested interest in defending the chain store. I own
one. When you drive past my store front, you will see the generic
sign and familiar look of the stores that are in every mall across
the country. But, if you step past your judgments and prejudice,
and come inside you will see a store that is just a little bit
different. 
You will find a local owner operator with over 20 years
experience and you see a store that has a selection of products
especially for the Sebastopol market. We chose to invest in a
franchise because sometimes big is good. One of the largest
manufacturing facilities in the country guarantees that we are
selling state of the art, quality products. We also have a direct
line to the manufacturer, and by limiting the time the product
changes hands, we have more control over the product and less added
cost to the customer.
I understand the desire to prevent Sebastopol from being overrun
by strip malls, but you just made a plea for people to boycott my
store and it makes me a bit cranky. This store has allowed us to
work reasonable hours, and given us time to spend together as a
family. If this store fails, my husband may have to go back to work
in San Francisco and my daughter will have to adjust to seeing him
on weekends. Is there anything noble in that?
I think that most people are doing the best that they can and no
one will ever get everything right. 
So for now, I buy local organic produce from the farm, drive a
biodiesel car and enjoy a soy latte from Starbucks, please don¹t
condemn me.
– Kathleen Stroh, Sebastopol