The unchecked expansion of national chains is harmful, Ms. Mitchell of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance says, because they knock out local businesses and chew up property to build new stores. Some communities are seeking to restrict expansion of national chains. Boulder, Colo., for instance, is considering an ordinance that would cap the number of chain businesses. National chains eyeing a store in Vermont must submit an economic impact study before gaining approval to build a new store. The idea is to prevent retailers from cannibalizing one another.
Communities can put in place rules that discourage that type of development.
Not all local leaders agree. After initial skepticism, Bond Hill community leaders have embraced the new Walgreens as a chance to redevelop the area. Nobody else came in here. The Cincinnati Enquirer , a Gannett Co. Inc. newspaper.