The Big Business vs. the Small Buisness

See how your local businesses are affected by large business chains

Story by Hugh Barry

Director of the Small Business Development Center of Plattsburgh Delena Clark knows exactly what it takes for any business to last.

"I don't think small businesses suffer from large chains," Clark says. "All businesses can compete as long as they do things right."

Over the years, many may have noticed that places in the North Country, especially Plattsburgh, are growing into a larger, economic force. Businesses like Wal-Mart and Sam's Club have been influencing the Plattsburgh's economy for years, and new additions such as Best Buy are just another company coming into the mix. Even smaller chains such as Rite-Aid, Applebee's, and Auto Zone have caused an impact.

"I truly believe it's essential to support our local businesses."

Years ago, if you needed medicine, you had to go to a pharmacist. If you needed auto parts, you went to the mechanic. If you wanted to get beef or cold cuts, you would go to a butcher or deli.

There were always small "mom and pop" shops you went to get certain things. Of course you had to make a number of trips to get everything you needed, but what else were you going to do?

Today's day and age is completely different. You can go to one place to get everything done in one shot and one car ride. As long as you make a list of what you need, you never have to make two trips, and shopping is a breeze.

This is where large business chains come into play. Places like Wal-Mart and Sam's Club make it unnecessary for anyone to have to go anywhere else. These places have everything you need. You can buy all your food, lean beef, auto parts, tools, pharmaceuticals, movies, toys, and clothes. You can even get a haircut at Wal-Mart and set up a bank account.

However, places like Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, and any other large chain are not the only stores located in Plattsburgh. There are still local pharmacies, delis, auto bodies, florists, and many other family owned stores scattered everywhere. But when giant store chains take over an entire city or town, you must wonder how any of these businesses stay in business?

Clark believes that all these businesses must have standards for themselves in order to run successfully. Keeping a business clean and sanitary is absolutely one way. If they can not keep their cleanliness up to standard, it will be difficult for them to stay around. The way a business provides its services to its customer is another way a good business is judged.

"I truly believe it's essential to support our local businesses," Clark says, "but our local businesses have to offer good services and products for all their customers that help make their business possible."

There was a certain point in time where these small family-owned businesses were the only places you could get certain products. Granted, Wal-Mart is always known for their super-low prices, but they don't give the quality and friendly atmosphere and employees as certain other places would.

"Locally owned stores have a little more experience and will be able to help you with a little more knowledge and information," Clark says. "These types of places make people feel special by greeting them by their names and being very responsive to their needs."

When you walk into any of the family businesses, there are usually friendly people who you can make small talk with, get good help to find what you are looking for, and chances are, if you go enough, they'll remember you the next time you come in.

On the other hand, places like Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club don't give you that same type of service. They're just trying to get a job done. You ask them what aisle a certain product is in, and they'll direct you. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but you don’t get that same service most customers are looking for.

"As long as all businesses do things right, they will have plenty of customers and business."

The same is applied to Restaurant chains as any other chains too. Places like Applebee's and Ninety-Nine have a set menu for food you can order and usually have the same choices all the time. Maybe once and a while the chain will come out with something new, but it's usually every few months.

Smaller family owned restaurants work a little differently. They usually give a certain type of atmosphere that many chain restaurants can not offer.

"We're a lot different than chain restaurants," Nicole Leduc, restaurant manager for San Marino II, says. "If people want to try something different, they come here. We offer more of a personal service."

Heading out on Route 3 to go out to eat on a Friday or Saturday night can be packed and crowded. You always find yourself on a waiting list, and eating while there is a huge rush.

"Here there is no rush and it is very cozy," Leduc says. "You can sit down, have a glass of wine, and not have to worry about a thing."

However, small businesses do offer a lot of great qualities and services to their customers and their community, but large chains still add a number of positive qualities.

"These places drive people into Plattsburgh," Clark says. "People are stopping in our restaurants, convenience stores, and promoting traffic along that route."

In order for the entire community and economy of this city to grow, you need to add solid infrastructure. All small businesses and big businesses allow all these travelers to come.

Even places like the airport help Plattsburgh's economy and businesses grow stronger and profitable. The airport allows taxi services, hotels, car rentals, and restaurants to profit and grow in a positive way.

"It covers all aspects to make us economically viable," Clark says. "As long as all businesses do things right, they will have plenty of customers and business."

How do you think your business competes with large business chains?