Massachusetts Town Bans Chain Retailers

Nantucket has become one of the first Massachusetts towns to ban chain stores, approving a measure with a unanimous voice vote that will bar national retailers from the island's downtown.

"The move was endorsed by more than 480 residents this week at town meeting, validating a citizen's article proposed by independent book seller Wendy Hudson.

The ban still needs to be approved by the state Attorney General's office.

It would bar any new chains with more than 14 outlets that have standardized menus, trademarks, uniforms or other homogeneous decor from opening downtown. The ban would not affect gas stations, grocery stores, banks and other service providers."