Not all the big box stores have driven the little guy out of business. If the little guy can provide better service and quality products, even at a higher price, consumers will still buy from them. Where I am from people value the local butcher, as the cuts of meat are better than the megamart packs, with it being the same price or cheaper. And the local lumber company is thriving as well too, even with Lowes and Home Depot in the area. A knowledgeable staff and quality product selection is worth its weight in gold. Now if a small business doesn't provide one of these features, then yes, they will probably not stay in business in todays market.
Slashdot Mirror
McAfee had a similar issue:
http://it.slashdot.org/it/06/03/13/1322215.shtml
Not all the big box stores have driven the little guy out of business. If the little guy can provide better service and quality products, even at a higher price, consumers will still buy from them. Where I am from people value the local butcher, as the cuts of meat are better than the megamart packs, with it being the same price or cheaper. And the local lumber company is thriving as well too, even with Lowes and Home Depot in the area. A knowledgeable staff and quality product selection is worth its weight in gold. Now if a small business doesn't provide one of these features, then yes, they will probably not stay in business in todays market.