I gotta say...maybe it's location driven. One trip up here will convince you that m&p's are STRONG, vibrant, and, as a matter of fact, doing better thant the 'mega' marts. Of course, this isn't a rural area, BUT, even in the rural areas up here, the same thing stands.
Seattle is much like New York...Lots of seperate little 'neighborhoods' (and, of course, a big downtown). Each area has its own uniqueness and specialty stores, and the people in that area feircely support them. I've actually watched a few 'chain's go out of business in my area (Ben and Jerry's, for one)..because we just don't want them here.
of course..there's costco and home depot. And, even the 'big malls' with the normal cache of 'chain' stores...but, those malls are CRAMMED full of small, one off business.
and, yes..I'm WELL aware of how the 'mega marts' rape and pillage and screw their employees. Maybe that's why they don't survive up here.
There will always be people who buy on price only. They get what they pay for, most of the time :) I'll gladly pay a little more for something if I get personal service.
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