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Two years ago, Neil Peirce asked: “Will the chains swallow Main St.?” He doesn’t answer the question, but hopes that local governments find a way for their cities and towns to remain unique.

In an answer to that piece, local “creative,” Deb Talbot uses Olde Hyde Park as an example of erosion of authenticity. But she blames the problem on OHP management because they think they “need name brands to attract the crowds.”

There’s no doubt that independent stores have a difficult road to travel. But to hope governments fix things, or that landlords will automatically dismiss chains, or even that all local businesses should support only local business is really missing the entire point.

The main problem that independents should address, is the difficulty in convincing Mr. Everyday Joe why he should go out of his way and spend more money to support them.  But not only do I see no one adequately explaining it, I hardly see anyone trying.

To me it’s as simple as this:  As long as people accept bad service in order to save a few bucks, chains will be getting most of your money.

If you want to find out more about local independent businesses, check out Tampa Independent Business Association, as well as the TampaGold Business Directory or the SoHoTampa Business Directory.