There was a time when just about every business in America was owned by a married couple or ‘Mom and Pop’ who would invest their savings, time and hard work in that business. Everything from the corner store to the local pizza parlor was owned privately.
Times have changed and the big corporate ‘super store’ has emerged. The concept of franchising got its start with Roy Kroc of McDonalds and others back in the 50’s. This got real popular in the 70’s and today it seems that just about every business type has a big corporate name that is synonymous with that market.
The small 5+10 is now the ‘super’ Wal-Mart, the local hardware store is now called Home Depot and the little electronics shop is now Radioshack. But just because corporate America has dotted the landscape with huge mega stores does not mean that ‘Mom and Pop’ are now dead. Rather the contrary! The U.S. Census Bureau says that the number of small businesses is actually on a climb, that there are more ‘Mom and Pop’ businesses than there were 10 or 20 years ago.
With the ‘Mega store’ covering the country side it appears that ‘Mom and Pop’ are dead and gone. However upon closer examination it is obvious that not only are ‘Mom and Pop’ still alive and living among the giants, but they are what give a community its character. If it were not for the small entrepreneurs that refuse to close up shop and go away, every city and small town in America might look like a scene from the recent animated movie Wall-E. In the movie everything is owned and operated by the all encompassing “Buy N Large” corporation.
It has been said that art imitates life but unlike the movie, our real world is still very much affected by ‘Mom and Pop’. Look around you, check out the scenery and see what the real rhythm of your community is. Chances are you will see that, while there are certainly plenty of the “Buy N Large” corporate big boys, it is the ‘Mom and Pop’ that add personality to your town. It is the small private restaurant that is tucked between the big corporate eateries that really offers a taste of the local flavor.
The ‘Mom and Pop’ shops certainly do not have it easy. The competition with the big boys is difficult; real estate and retail rental prices are stifling and the shape of the economy is all but choking out the little guy. However Capital Hill has seen the struggles they are going through and the guys in charge realize that it is indeed the ‘Mom and Pop’ shops that are the heart of a community.
Washington understands the importance of pumping new blood into this heart. They also realize that the little guy may need help in these hard times, so assistance has been generated to assure the survival of ‘Mom and Pop.’ The Troubled Asset Relief program or Tarp will be receiving $15 billion from the government to help ‘Mom and Pop’ survive.
Small businesses will have a better chance to access loans due to the government guaranteeing them up to 90%, which will motivate lending institutions to approve a small business loan. These loans will provide money to ‘Mom and Pop’ that would not otherwise be available. This action reflects that Washington understands that it is our entrepreneurial attitude and willingness to work hard in hopes of realizing our dreams that has shaped America for over 200 years.
The very foundation of our free enterprise system rests on the efforts of Mom and Pop. They always been and always will be the essence of what makes us Americans. So while it may look like “Buy N Large” is taking over, do not count out Mom and Pop for they are alive and well.
When you shop remember that the livelihood of your community rests on your shoulders. Give Mom and Pop a visit. Let them cater to your needs and remember that without them your community would not have its unique identity. Support your local Mom and Pop and buy locally.
If you are the owner of a Mom and Pop business, then don’t give up hope, you are what keeps the American free enterprise system alive. Continue to dream and work toward those dreams and group together with other businesses to keep the spirit of your community alive.
