Large retail and local economy

If you are concerned with possible Spokane urban blight, then I urge all to consider shopping and buying at the Sears store in the Northtown Mall. From all appearances, Sears is struggling, as is JC Penney, nationwide and in Spokane. Even their Valley Mall stores are apparently in trouble. If these businesses fold in our area, the empty buildings will be an eyesore for Spokane.

Our family recently purchased appliances branded Kenmore at the Northtown Mall Sears store. I was appalled at how few people shop there. Their merchandise is attractive and every bit as competitive as any other retail outlet.

It is hard to imagine how much growth online business has become. To me, in many ways, it is a fad and while we immortalize the likes of Amazon, the possible closing of American icon stores likely will never reappear and their buildings will sit vacant for years.

Perhaps I am too old-fashioned, but there are consequences to changing our buying habits. We may well regret letting online business rapidly take over the American economy. These two retailers are a mainstay and an integral part of our local economy.

I urge all of our Spokane citizens to shop locally.

Jack A. Abel

Spokane