Clinton;I do see your point about the 'nostalgia' thing, but it is not really about that. Older is not necessarily better in all things.

But, communities based on smaller businesses, that treat people as individuals, that know their customers by name, that generate customer loyalty because they are able to treat people well and keep them coming back, that do not have toabide by corporate policies towarsd employees and thus generate employee loyalty, too.I mean,does anyone disagree that poor retail service is at least partially a result of poor employee morale, and that high turnover in these jobs is much less likely in smaller businesses?), all this is more desirable than what Wal-mart hasto offer, in my book, and well, this is what is disappearing.

Peter;
interesting story about Sears. But they are a big corporate chain, too--and have a more aggressive sales policy (they go after you on the sales floor).

Little Hawk;
I know what you mean about that vibe.I get a headache in these places, and feel strangely drained of energy after being in them for a while.I have never been to a casino but I have a feeling I would hate that, too.

Why shouldn't shopping be a pleasant experience? I don't like big groecery stores,either. I prefer the European model: stop at the butcher, the bakery, the greengrocers each day for supplies for that evening's meal...

I get 95% of my clothing used at thrift shops. Saves tons of money (a $65 wool sweater for $5) and I get much better quality than buying cheap discount brands. And finding items that are hardly used or even new is not difficult.