COMMERCE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS -- Part 23

Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts and Downtowns Lead the Way

“It is vital is to level the playing field between small, locally owned businesses and big box stores. Main Street businesses are largely shuttered now and are conducting business in new and innovative ways to minimize person-to-person contact and to keep everyone safe,” Kennedy Smith said.

“But, because they sell groceries and pharmaceuticals, big box stores have continued to let people in -- and to let them in to all their departments. 

While Main Street bookstores, toy shops and clothing stores are scrambling to find innovative ways to continue serving their customers and to bring in revenue – big box stores freely let customers wander around and pick up electronics, clothing, books, toys, tires, housewares…while also buying groceries.”