Across the globe the fun, personal charm of
shopping and dining is fading as local Small Shops disappear. Mega-chains
are transforming
city blocks into "cookie-cutter" repeats. Shoppers who used to enjoy
short lines, one-of-a-kind items, intelligent interaction and first-name
service are conforming. They rush thru huge isles, wait in long, stressful lines
and purchase excessive quantities of cheap, imported goods. When demographics
change, these mega-chains often abandon the neighborhood leaving empty sockets.
.Across the US, over 2 million Small Businesses
closed and 166,790 went bankrupt from 2002-2006 alone. (SBA) .
In the four-block, historic shopping district of Catlin Court Glendale, AZ,
over 17 Small Shops closed in 1 ½ years. (Eye-witness) .
London has lost more than 7,000 individual or family-owned shops
in the past six years.
(The Evening Standard)
The Small Business Administration (USA) recognizes that small business is "critical to our economic strength,
to building America's future, and to helping the United States compete in
today's global marketplace". The Evening Standard (UK) is
championing London’s independent shops with a campaign backed by thousands of
businesses, consumers, MPs and even royalty. Within the first months of the campaign, Prince Charles commented that small shops must
remain a central part of our economy to generate "wealth and
employment".
Throughout the world, movements to Shop Local are gaining tremendous support . Your involvement is vital.
S.O.S.S. is a grassroots effort to Save our Small Shops. As you choose to spend dollars and time in local Small Shops,
you'll enjoy shorter lines and more personal interaction. Chances are you'll
calm your heart, slim your waistline,
preserve
your neighborhood
and build fresh, lasting
relationships,
too.