Volume Buying Power Savings Come At A Price

A nother locally owned independent business closed in downtown Spokane this week. As local entrepreneurs become discouraged and leave the marketplace, we, the consumers, suffer the loss.

The character and distinctiveness of these businesses bring a diversity of choice to all of us in this community. The choices we make every day about what to buy and where to buy it will affect our shopping options in the future.

I mourn the changes that have taken place in retail business, and I am not alone. Midway into the ‘90s, communities all over the country are wrestling with the effects or possible effects of superstores.

For those of us who enjoy shopping in relatively intimate surroundings, in places staffed by people who know and care about what they are selling and what you are buying, the ‘90s bring certain unwelcome changes. Spending an afternoon wandering down long aisles in a warehouse looking for something that was there just last month - but is no longer carried - is not my idea of a pleasant way to spend time.

So, besides something that pleases my senses or stimulates my intellect, what have I lost?

Let’s start with continuity. What happens when a superstore determines a product is no longer profitable to stock? Probably that product will no longer be available anywhere.

Why? Companies that sell to superstores undercut the local businesses who used to be their outlets in the community. A small business will not be able to compete in price with a nationwide company that buys in volume.

What would you do if you were that small business? For good reasons, and on principle, the independent business may decide to stop carrying that company’s products.

In the short term, you, the consumer, may buy something at a lower price at the superstore. But in the long term you may not be able to find that item again in your community.

In fact, superstores that carry everything from soup to beds do not give you any real choices with regard to particular items.

Locally owned, independent businesses make up the heart and soul of every city. Their owners operate outside of corporate America, holding onto their unique ways of seeing.

It is that individuality of response to a community need that they share with you, the customer. This diversity flavors our communities and our nation.

What about choice?

In the book business, there is much concern that the superstores of the industry will come to determine what is and what is not published by the very nature of volume buying.

How does volume buying affect us? Not only does it lack the specificity that reflects regional and local concerns, it is limited to one company’s vision. That sameness blocks individuality of expression.

Cloning in the book marketplace is a particularly fretful prospect to those of us interested in the diversity of ideas and choices.

Which brings us to another quality: flexibility. The locally owned, independent store sees itself as a resource for you, its customers. The owner knows it is wise to listen to the people the business serves. Making decisions quickly, adapting to requests and interests, and taking the time to research your desires are qualities exhibited by independent businesses.

The local business can share its expertise in a given area. It is in sharing, and in caring that your needs are important, that personal service takes place. Where on the continuum do we rate personal service? Are we willing to give it up?

Local businesses invest in their communities. Their owners don’t live in a different city or county, but in your community where their quality of life and yours are at stake.

Many of these locally-owned businesses are supporters of education, music, art, theater, public radio and TV, social services, sports and other important facets of this community that they call home. Who is not aware of what the Joel Ferris family, owner of Joel’s, has contributed to this community? That’s just one example.

Choice, expertise, flexibility, continuity, individuality and personal service are what locally owned independent businesses offer.

Besides bringing you needed goods and services, they provide jobs, pay taxes and, most importantly, they give back to the local society that supports them.

Without you, those businesses will not continue to serve your needs and your community.

Without them, we would indeed be poorer.

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