David’s on First, my favorite shoe store, is inconveniently located across the street from a noisy mall that I hate. But David’s always has the shoes I need and, more important, the salespeople are really helpful.

But times are changing, and when I was there recently, my salesman told me that a developer has bought the block on which the store is located to build a huge condo in a community already saturated with condos. There will be retail stores on the ground level, but the rent will be unaffordable.

David’s has to vacate by next spring and they are looking to relocate in a small town center, miles away. My salesman and I bemoaned what I call the Gapification of our nation. Small, independent stores are being replaced by chains like The Gap and Starbucks. One of them is likely to replace David’s.

I offered my email address so that they could let me know where and when they are going. But they don’t have a web presence and they don’t do mailings. I will check in with them in a few months—perhaps I will be able to shop wherever they go.

But it’s a shame.