You've heard the story before: national chain announces plans to move to town, mom-and-pop operators tremble, townspeople rally against the evil corporate overlords, or at least they say they will.
Except that's not always the way it works. Sometimes the townspeople take every chance they can to step all over mom and pop in a rush to open their hearts and wallets to the new kid in town.
As Walmart prepares to open a store in Streator, it is greeted with comments like this posted on this newspaper's website:
"Yes Walmart is doing wonderful things for Streator and the rest of America, but it is too bad they are so evil. Oh, and i'm non union or a local business owner. They do know how to survive in these poor economic times while squeezing as much as they can out of their employees and anyone else they can take advantage of. And they don't care who they destroy along the way as long as they thrive. But that is business and Walmart is good at business. I hope when times get better that Walmart remembers all these people and gives them what they really deserve, a decent living. They stood behind you in poor times to keep you afloat just remember them when times get better. And yes I do have a grudge against Walmart and it is legit. Advertising has made Walmart No. 1 because it sure isn't the prices."
As Olive Garden announces plans to open a restaurant in Peru, however, it's been a gigantic lovefest. The only negative remarks, it seems, are from people who seem to think the only thing better than an Olive Garden in Peru is an Olive Garden in Ottawa. To wit:
"Ottawa goofed again !!!! Why can't we get these great chains here in this town? Perfect location, right off 80. And with all the bike traffic and sightseers. Gosh I just don't get it !!! I'm beginning to think this town has no taste in good food. Whatever happened to the Dairy Queen that was to go up by Culvers? Ottawa wouldn't even want to try to get a Portillo's here because they just can't deal with the competition. Wake up already. Most people drive out of town to get good food. You get pretty tired of the same old stuff Ottawa offers which isn't much!!!!!!! Bet you won't print this because it's the truth and the way most people here feel, but are afraid to admit it !! Just keep adding another tattoo parlor, bar or resale shop. It's getting really sad watching other towns making smart decisions."
It's not too much of a stretch to say Olive Garden is to Italian cuisine what Walmart is to the big box department store, although the restaurant tries much harder to convey a high-end aura. But really, neither makes any bones about what they are: a homogenized experience that sells you on its brand as much as anything else. Based on the strength of national advertising campaigns and the proclivity of the consumer to seek out the familiar, each attempts to deliver on its stated promises to the customer every time someone is ready to spend money on the product.
Continue reading "A love-hate relationship with national chains."
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