Small businesses on Main Street and big box chains have been competing for consumers’ attention for decades. Historians say that big box stores were born in the early 1960s when Wal- Mart, Target and Kmart entered the retail landscape. It’s been more than 60 years since these chains arrived and they certainly have garnered their share of devotees. Big box businesses have size, inventory and often price on their side. However, when consumers look beyond those factors, it’s easy to see all of the benefits small businesses offer that behemoths cannot.
