Like so many people who live nearby, I go to Rockland for most of my shopping. I care very much for our midcoast city, its small shops, friendly Main Street, old houses, lovely trees and warm hospitality.
A Wal-Mart Superstore, the epitome of commercial sprawl, opposes each of these qualities. Think of its 951-car parking lot, 62 percent larger than present Wal-Mart parking. Think of the eyesores, the traffic. And while the superstore would only add 130 new, largely part-time jobs, how many local shops might be forced to close, how many jobs lost?
Nor do we necessarily save at large chain stores from away. For example, I checked medical prescription prices at Shop ‘n Save, Rite Aid, Wal-Mart and Goodnow’s Pharmacy. Goodnow’s prices are well below the others. What’s more, in contrast to the big chains, this small, old-time drugstore — it even has a soda fountain — gives relible, fast, personal service, and you don’t have to walk a mile. Sally Cartwright Tenants Harbor
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