Community and the Corner Store: Retrieving Human-Scale Commerce |
| Author: |
Ehrenhalt,Alan
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| Author Background: |
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| Date |
Fall 1999
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| Type |
Journal
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| Journal Title: |
Responsive-Community
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| Volume/Pages |
9(4) 30-39
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| Publisher |
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| Subject Matter |
Community Development
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| Population |
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| Pedagogies |
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| Abstract |
A narrative of change in the commercial sector of Sioux Falls, SD, throughout the 20th century illustrates how economic policy alters everyday life. Although commercial enterprise in Sioux Falls has increased individual freedom & choice, current business practices have disintegrated custom & patterns of conduct; changes in the local banking & pharmaceutical industries are cited to exemplify these consequences for everyday life. Several experimental movements throughout the US designed to reintroduce personal relationships into business transactions are discussed (eg, the creation of town centers). The opening of two local banks & a pharmacy in the main street area that prioritize building personal relationships with clients are viewed as attempts to revive local commerce. The abandonment of the local mall by specialty stores & the area's middle & upper classes for downtown Sioux Falls is deemed ironic. It is concluded that local commerce & personal relationships are beginning to return to US business. J. W. Parker
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