Neal Peirce utilizes the arrival of Wal-mart in Plymouth, NH to illustrate how independent retailers and 'main streets' survive in the face of big-box retailing.
Neal Peirce, of the Washington Post Writers Group, visits Plymouth, NH and finds a "survival strategy" for local businesses on Main Street in the face of Wal-mart. Plymouth is one of 1600 communities participating in the National Trust for Historic Presevation's Main Street program. Plymouth's Main Street program has a director and a strategy that features marketing and special events, beautification and management. As an example, Peirce highlights the local hardware store which remains "solidly profitable" as a result of specialized products, knowledgeable staff and expanded store hours.
Thanks to Irene Sherr
FULL STORY: Main Street Niches in a Mass Sales World
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