Both men are worried about the inroads competition from tax-free online retailers is making on their business. I asked county officials and the chamber of commerce how they think the small merchant can survive. High-tech is here to stay. The trick is to make the best of it. What small towns have going for them is nostalgia.
People are sick and tired of the frenetic, high-pressure shopping mall experience.
Consumers are looking for something more than instant keyboard access and they are willing to pay more to get it. Local merchants offer the personal touch that is missing online. Both the book seller and the camera seller were doubtful about going online. Setting up a commercial Web site costs money, which the large corporation can easily recoup from its massive sales. For the little guy going online is risky and problematic, even though the chamber's own Web site is available.