The individual owner or owners must also assume most of the risks connected with the enterprise. Franchising has costs as well as benefits for the economy. The rise of the chain store has inhibited the development of single proprietorships and partnerships. Chain supermarkets, for example, using lower prices to attract customers, have driven out many independent small grocers. Nonetheless, many independents do survive.
Some individual proprietors join forces with others to form chains of independents or cooperatives.
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