[ClearCase_guy]

I believe in the marketplace.

But there is more to life than the marketplace. The marketplace is what allows Walmart to push out the Mom and Pop stores. The marketplace is what makes Amazon king of all shopping.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a great movie. But part of the point is that Mr. Potter turned Bedford Falls into a bustling metropolis with neon lights and a gaudy downtown. That’s the marketplace.

Life is better is a small town where the store owner will really help you out and provide the personal touch. Like Jimmy Stewart did.

[RoosterRedux]

I have lately gone to the local Lowes a lot now that my local hardware store has closed (closed because the owner--my friend--wanted to retire).

Lowes employees are nice folks but they know absolutely nothing about anything.

Our old hardware store was a font (fount actually) of wisdom re: anything to do with hardware.

I think a local store might compete quite well with Lowes, but it has to be very carefully managed to differentiate itself and to make sure that it hires folks who really have the knowledge to do so and are willing to take the time to pass on that knowledge.