At one point in our lives, we have all succumbed to shopping at a major chain store, such as Wal-Mart, in order to get our shopping done conveniently and thriftily. But what about the small stores who suffer because large chains take their business? Independent stores receive the brunt of the impact, due to large chains moving into small towns and putting these smaller stores out of business.
By Jeremy Barrick
Staff Writer
At one point in our lives, we have all succumbed to shopping at a major chain store, such as Wal-Mart, in order to get our shopping done conveniently and thriftily. But what about the small stores who suffer because large chains take their business? Independent stores receive the brunt of the impact, due to large chains moving into small towns and putting these smaller stores out of business.
Greensburg, with its population of 40,000, has a variety of small stores on Pennsylvania and Main streets. If your tastes include coffee, jewelry, clothing, art supplies, food, or books, then Greensburg has something to offer you. Some of these businesses have been in the area for years and continue to grow as they cater to court house employees, law firms, the police department, locals, and others who come from the tri-state area. All the shops are within walking distance of the Westmoreland County Courthouse. Greensburg also offers convenient street, lot, and garage parking.
“I like small cities. I have always done my shopping in Greensburg, locally. I feel that I should give my money to small businesses as opposed to money grubbing corporations,” said Cleveland Steward, a resident of Greensburg.
During the 1970s, when malls and shopping centers increased in popularity outside of the city of Greensburg, the downtown area businesses suffered, and were forced to close down. Only a small number of shops are left to the downtown area, but the service industries, professional offices, and banks surrounding Greensburg, they help keep those businesses going.
“I was raised in Greensburg. My parents have lived here their entire lives. I attend school and work in the city, it’s a good and wholesome place to reside,” said Erin Waite, a sophomore at Seton Hill University.
Wal-Mart utilizes cheap labor. They pay their employees so little that they cannot afford the health insurance that Wal-Mart offers. The corporation becomes wealthier as the poor laborer remains at the bottom.
“I try not to shop at Wal-Mart. I am a huge supporter of local businesses. Wal-Mart is open 24 hours and that’s how they lure you in-with convenience,” said Tony Cerati, a resident of Greensburg.
If you are concerned about the local businesses of Greensburg, it’s important to purchase your items and services locally. You may pay a bit more, but it will keep the small, independent businesses open. If Wal-Mart continues to dominate Greensburg, the area may decline economically.