There has been a dramatic decline in independent shop owners, resulting in a loss of personal service and/or preferential treatment usually given by these ‘Mom and Pop’ operations. Box stores do not have employees with specialized product knowledge or proper application experience. If you are looking for this information, it is necessary to read the manufacturer’s enclosed brochures or pamphlets.

However, having the larger box stores has been most beneficial in competitive pricing. Now, because of the new business model of low margin and high volume, the consumer is offered pricing which may seem somewhat unbelievable and representative of substandard quality. In the past, when the market term “discount” was mentioned one would think of soiled, limited selection and poor quality. Big chains try to create an artificial monopoly. This

Wal-Mart’s tremendous success, as the world’s number one retailer, can be attributed to their shrewd buying and aggressive marketing campaigns. Few Canadians are aware of Wal-Mart’s intention to open the enormous box store Sam’s Club across Canada to compete head to head with Costco. Similar to Costco, the intention of Sam’s Club is to offer bulk product at what would seem to be wholesale pricing obtainable only through membership.

Some may argue this is a detrimental concept and may have an adverse effect on future buying habits of the consumer. Can the immense size and vast scope of larger discount chains/stores eventually control the market place? Could they eventually be given the power to limit selection or control pricing? If so, would this power be abused?

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