Little fish in ‘big box’ have always fought to thriveI work for a locally-owned business that isn’t a part of a chain or franchise in any way. That’s pretty rare — even more rare if you consider that Rock County has mostly small businesses.Few companies are truly locally born and bred these days.I bring this up because in the 1931 Rock County Herald, an article ran about the subject, "That chain stores are detrimental to the best interests of the American public."The Luverne debate team, with Harriet Bell, Albert Christensen and John V. Connell, upheld the affirmative of that idea and won a contest. I thought it was interesting that in 1931 chain stores were an issue, when I was under the impression that Rock County Main Streets were lined with mom and pop merchants, even considering the large, but local, Nelson Bros.The Luverne debate team argued, "… that the benefits claimed by chain stores do not exist; that they are a menace to industry, and work a harmful influence in the communities where they do business. It was also contended that on account of the centralized ownership and control, chain stores have monopolistic tendencies, and often force independent merchants out of business by price-cutting, which was also alleged to affect the prices on certain farm products. Delivery service maintained by many independent merchants was cited as a factor in making their goods cost more than chain store merchandise, but was emphasized as a commonly recognized advantage to the public. The benefits claimed were refuted by the statement that the independent merchant can operate his business with direct supervision and personally take an active part in the development and improvement of his town, and keep in much more personal contact with patronage. Particular stress was given the point that the independent dealer had helped to build up the community, but the chain institutions came in after the work of settlement was completed and the town prospering."The Worthington team argued on behalf of the benefits of chain stores, saying, "They have grown until they have become indispensable. They have often been around for a long time, meaning that people have faith in them. They are efficient, that’s why they are cheaper."I guess even Sam Walton started out as a five-and-dime owner before opening his first big Wal-Mart in 1962. He was one of the first large businesses to include profit sharing and discounts for employees, things that are both more common today.But I bet if there were a Wal-Mart here, he wouldn’t have advertised in our small newspaper and a couple of mom and pop places would have closed.Whether smaller businesses or groups like the Chamber of Commerce should do anything about chain stores … and what that would entail is beyond me. Either way, it appears that the discussion about "big box" stores isn’t going anywhere. As a matter of fact, it hasn’t in the past 75 years.