|
Ever increasing demand for profits create a
tendency for shops to become larger. The larger they are the less
personal their service is, and the more standardised their
products become. Communities can only halt the spread of
monoculture
products and services if they prohibit all forms of franchise and
chain stores placing limits on the size of stores in their
neighbourhoods. The
leaders of large chain stores and franchises care more for
their shareholders than the communities they serve while slowly
killing variety, quality and personal service.
Alexander recommends that you,
"Do what you can to encourage the
development of individually owned shops. Approve applications for
business licences only if the business is owned by those people
who actually work and manage the store."
Towns like Riquewihr attract millions of visitors
to France. Click on numbers 1-9 above to see a selection of
the traditional small shop signs from the many small independent
shops and businesses that make Riquewihr such an interesting and
vibrant place to live. |
