The Gapification of America
June 25, 2017
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.
Big box stores taking over smaller, friendlier stores are a favorite gripe of mine! But I've learned to just accept it, it's progress, they say!
Posted by: Still the Lucky Few | June 26, 2017 at 10:50 AM
I was going to buy a birthday present for a friend and remembered that all of the unique gift and art stores in the nearby little town were gone. Replaced by clothing stores, restaurants and brew pubbs. The new upscale shopping area only houses chain stores. I just bought a card.
Posted by: MaryAnn | June 26, 2017 at 11:40 AM
Same problem here - rents going up hurt the small trader no matter what they are selling.
Our replacements are usually coffee shops or $2 shops. Many retirees ( those with the time and the extra cash) like to meet in the individual coffee shops not the chains so each of these new ones seems to doing well. Even when they are two doors down from each other.
Oh I came to you via Ronni's Elder blog list - am enjoying your little snippets.
Take care
Cathy
Posted by: Cathy | June 29, 2017 at 07:35 PM