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chain stores impact on the community local stores are disappearing

For Georgian neighborhood, the so-called neighborhood shops are a characteristic niche and have been an active part of public life since the 1990s.

Nowadays, we see how gradual neighborhood stores are disappearing from the area, their place is being taken by chain stores.

Local-owned businesses create a strong community. They form the basis of connections and trust, which is important for a healthy neighborhood.

Local shops create a clear sense of place and community. They reflect local culture. In contrast, chain stores offer their rules to the public.

The proliferation of chain stores has weakened the local economy. Regulations and high taxes have a negative impact on small businesses. The neighborhood store is the only source of income for many people. The local retail economy cannot compete with the competition and small shop owners are might stay without income.

"There used to be many customers on this street, but now the situation have gotten pretty bad, nothing is working. people rarely visit the store. Distributors bring cheap products to big brands, and since my store is small, I need a little bit of production and taxes are higher, ”said Naziko, 85, whose source of income is the store.

Market "Akura" is a family business, its owner Zura says, consumers have been significantly reduced. "My store is situated next to the spar, two steps and is near two carrefours. My market was mainly focused on the passers-by, but now they are going to Spar. The price we pay for the products, big markets sell their goods at that price, our only hope is god and neighbors."

As economist Paata Bairakhtari points out, big business participates in the formation of gross domestic product with a 70% contribution, on the contrary, in developed countries.