Description
Defenders of globalization, free markets, and free trade insist there' s no alternative to mega-stores like Wal-Mart -- Michael Shuman begs to differ. In ""The Small-Mart Revolution,"" Shuman makes a compelling case for his alternative business model, one in which communities reap the benefits of ""going local"" in four key spending categories: goods, services, energy, and finance. He argues that despite the endless media coverage of multinational conglomerates, local businesses give more to charity, adapt more easily to rising labor and environmental standards, and produce more wealth for a community. They also spend more locally, thereby increasing community income and creating wealth and jobs. ""The Small-Mart Revolution"" presents a visionary yet practical roadmap for everyone concerned with mitigating the worst of globalization.
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Bigger isn’t always better. Contrary to popular belief, small, locally owned businesses often out-perform their “big box” and Fortune 500 competition—both in outright profitability and the value they bring to consumers, workers, and communities. Unlike mega-stores and multi-national chains like Wal-Mart, these small businesses stimulate the economy by buying supplies and services locally, adapt to (rather than fight against) higher local environmental and labor regulations, and stick around for many years, often many generations. The Small-Mart Revolution details dozens of specific strategies small and home-based businesses are using to successfully out-compete the world’s largest companies. And it shows how consumers, investors, policymakers, and organizers can revitalize their own communities by supporting local businesses.
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