Small business owners will suffer

Editor,

Your article in the Oct. 20 issue about the proposed Super Wal-Mart for Polson asks what the store's economic impact on the city and local businesses will be.

I can tell you first hand what the impact will be: Not good for the small business owner. Think about this city's heart of well-kept businesses, aromas wafting from its restaurants, and the ambiance generated by that "small-town" feeling.

I was drawn to build a home on Finley Point due to the friendliness and down to earth attitude that can only come from people greeting you on the street and in the stores with a friendly "hello … long time no see, how is the family?" even though I have been gone for six months or more.

I go to town browsing the various shops and to visit with the vendors, often with no intention of purchasing anything. Once I enter the store, it is amazing how many times I walk out with something in my hands.

I live the rest of the year in a small border town called Douglas, Ariz., that has a population of approximately 14,000.

With the construction of a Super Wal-Mart there last year, I have seen many small businesses close as they cannot compete with the "big box" store called Wal-Mart. This town was thrilled initially to attract Wal-Mart; however, the impact it would have on the small stores was not anticipated.

Now all you hear are grumblings about the impersonal service. A Super Wal-Mart will have every conceivable item you can imagine — from a full grocery to tires for your vehicle. Once you are inside, it is so much more convenient to purchase all your items rather than go to several stores around town.

But is this what the citizens of Polson want?

To see the small business owners closing shop and losing that personal service you are so used to obtaining now? Main Street will become an empty stretch of vacant storefronts, which will not appear very inviting to the summer tourists this city strives to attract every year.

Marlene Mims

Finley Point