Indubitably, it is the future impact small business will face; the emerging trend of franchises across the country. Needless to say, numerous mom-and-pop stores are being forced out of business; because of the proliferation of giant companies like Wal-Mart. Consumers deem it shrewd to shop, where there is more variety and products are cheaper. Giant companies are able to provide consumers with cheap goods, because the cost per item produced is low.

Are consumers completely shunning mom-and-pop stores? If, so, on what basis? As obvious as it may sound, it may not be the case. Are consumers more prone to shop at these giant stores because they feel that in the case of a frivolous lawsuit, companies will pay more, or will be compelled to settle?

The rise in frivolous lawsuits has undeniably created an entertainment ground, where, consumers will not take for granted the famous Latin word "Caveat Emptor”-let the buyer beware. Whether it is legal, or mere preference; the question still remains, do small businesses have a future in the United States?

Small businesses face challenges, which range from acquiring loans to substantially controlling a portion of the market. As entrepreneurs, we need to consider; that there should be a dif

ferent marketing approach as compared to the "Wal-Mart's”. Small businesses should start to develop more personal relationships with their clientele.

Even though, they can not offer the best prices, they can always make sure that they provide an unbeatable service. There is no way that smaller companies can offer lower prices; therefore they should embark on advertising themselves as companies that will get the job done right. The scary reality is whether these mom-and-pop stores will eventually be put out of business, because they can not afford to be in the industry.

If mom-and-pop stores are being forced out of business because they can't compete with the bigger companies, a question of law comes into play; are the antitrust laws set up to prevent monopolistic competition effective? It is therefore in my humble opinion, that legislators draft laws to consider the impact small businesses are and will suffer from.

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