All across the U.S. mainland the big box stores proliferate. Wal-Mart. Home Depot. Costco. Target.
Wherever such stores congregate, local merchants and small businesses suffer. Such is the result of ridiculously low priced merchandise sold in bulk.
In some locales, businesses lobbied to reduce big box store incursions, much to the lament of most money-paying customers who actually prefer large selection, low prices, and convenient hours vs. shopping for a parking spot only to pay more for the same product as sold in nearby communities without a chip on their collective council’s shoulders.
Despite an outcry from local merchants lamenting the passing of high prices, Oahu has a growing share of big box stores. Wal-Mart. Home Depot. Costco. Soon a Target or two. Perhaps one day a Whole Foods dessert.
In a stunning defeat of yesteryearism, the Hawaii County Council voted 9-0 to reject a ban on the big box stores. County councilmember and mayoral candidate Stacey Higa proposed the bill to ban the big box stores, but after some behind-the-scenes tongue twisting in a private executive session, Higa came out and voted against his own bill.
See what a free membership to Sam’s Club can do to a politician?
HawaiiBlogger's Comment Policy: Keep your comment on topic, relevant, worthy, and funny. Or, pick any three. Be pleasant, helpful, and only use your real name. Comments are moderated and will not appear immediately (* required).