By George Anderson
The family-owned Brown and Cole grocery store chain is closing eight of its 31 stores in the Pacific Northwest and the owner says he has no choice as shoppers desert his stores for Wal-Mart.
Craig Cole told komo 4 TV, "The American worker and local business are becoming road kill in Wal-Mart's march toward worldwide domination of commerce."
Moderator's Comment: What is the current state of independent and small chain grocery in the U.S? What strategies and tactics are independents and small chains currently using to effectively compete with larger competitors?
First, let us say that we have enjoyed a number of visits to Brown and Cole stores over the years and fondly remember writing a special report on principle centered management that included a profile of the chain.
It saddened us to read the news of the store closings. Brown and Cole and other independents and small chains in the Pacific Northwest such as Haggen's, Larry's and others have, for us, exemplified some of the best qualities of what local grocery is all about.
Craig Cole may be right that "the American worker and local business are becoming road kill." His anger is misplaced, however, because it is the American consumer, not Wal-Mart, that is putting them in face of oncoming traffic. - George Anderson - Moderator