JL's Columbia SC Real Estate Blog: Is Mom And Pop Making A Comeback?

 In the chaos of today's economy, it is rare that we are treated to any good news or hear of any signs of improvement. It seems that anything we hear is how the sky will soon fall, and how there is nothing we can do about it. Even the slivers of good news that manage to slip through the cracks and make it to public view, are reported with a grain of salt and cynicism as if we should not get our hopes up.

 However, despite all the bad news out there and the doom on the horizon, I have noticed something shifting to the forefront of business of late. While major national companies are reporting record lows as far as income and sales, I know several local mom and pop type stores that are reporting record highs in sales. And it's all across the board. Anything from a hand made jewelry store, to a local hardware store. So, it's not like it's one particular area where these businesses are thriving, there all completely unrelated.

 Is it simply a case of the lack of competition, or is it something more? When the economy is doing well, everyone wants a piece of the action and tries to get their hand in the race. When times are hard, frightened investors sit on the sidelines while the brave of heart sometimes throw caution to the wind and prevail where others fear to tread.

 Is it that the consumer has become more irritated with the national chains that rarely live up to the hype? Are we just tired of standing in long lines for someone to treat us as if we are a burden to them for ringing up our products? Are we tired of going to Lowe's when we are working on a project only to find out that the people we came to for help know less about our issue than we do? Or is it a case of the cream rising to the top as it always does?

 I can't say that this is a national trend. In fact, in many ways I assume that it's not. However, I can say that here in Columbia and the surrounding areas, it's a trend I have begun to notice with more frequency. It's also a trend that I for one hope continues. It's no secret that the mom and pop stores of the world have for the most part taken a back seat to the national powerhouses and their endless budget. Is this a shift to return to our small town mentality when consumers had a relationship with the individuals that provided them a service? Or, is it just a fluke, that will eventually go away with time?

This message brought to you by www.jlboney.com.