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If you want to stir the pot amongst a group of independent retailers, just mention the word “WalMart”. Many indie retailers have a Pavlovian response upon hearing “WalMart”.
“Evil exploitive empire ….ruining the world. ….ruining my business. ” I have tried to look at both sides of the story and whilst I am not a champion of superstores, a recent article regarding WalMart and the city of San Diego on MSNBC.MSN.com caught my eye.

The city of San Diego has overturned a ban on superstores. A ban which the article mentioned was aimed at WalMart in particular. The prevailing beliefs regarding WalMart, pointed out by the supporters of the ban, could be applied to the same independent retailers who despise WalMart.

Supporters of the ban argued that Wal-Mart puts smaller competitors out of business, pays workers poorly, and contributes to traffic congestion and pollution. Opponents said the mega-retailer provides jobs, low prices and more choices for consumers.

I have witnessed small competitors in my own neighborhood deliberately seek out another business’ customers by providing the same services.

Do most indie retailers pay a “living wage” to their workers? Or provide health care?
And how many of us are considerate of the impact that our businesses may have on neighborhoods, parking-wise?

How do we treat our waste products? Do we recycle and contribute funds to a worthy cause?

On a more positive note, the points made by the opponents can also be applied to independent retailers. As the stats have shown, most businesses in the US are comprised of small businesses. As independent retailers, we can provide meaningful jobs to those in our immediate neighborhoods who believe in our respective missions, and who will be more inclined to help other independent retailers.

Low prices may be a perceived value if you specialize in a niche item that you can buy in volume quantities.

Independent retailers can also focus on selection by not mimicking the items that can be found at a superstore, but rather carry a more refined selection of products.

Overall, I’ve found that many times in life, the faults we find in others are faults that we ourselves have. How else could we identify them so well. You may find that you have more in common with your enemy than you had imagined.