Competition. A coffee chain is due to open in the village this week. Opinions (or interests) are divided. Two main camps: 'what will this mean for our independent coffee shops?' versus 'what will this add to the value of my house?'. Those thinking ca-ching are likely to be disappointed. The arrival of a chain signals not so much the renaissance of an area value wise but the culmination of it.
I doubt the new place will be able to replicate the warm community atmosphere of the independents. Still it will be an alternative place for people to socialise (or bang on about house prices) in the evening besides the pubs and bars.
All there was, was money. Everything became money, and money became everything. Money treated us as if we were things, and we died.
Terry Pratchett, 1948-2015
We have a local coffee house and a couple of Starbucks here. I generally prefer the atmosphere and coffee at the locally owned place, though I do go to Starbucks on Sundays occasionally because the other isn't open. Like political parties, everyone seems to have a favorite, so neither business seems to be hurting the other. :)
ReplyDeleteYes somewhere to go on Sundays should be good. Will keep me out of mischief/shopping centre.
DeleteA new God is taking over....
ReplyDeleteprecisely :) or a old god with a new face..
DeleteIt's natural for homeowners to want values to rise but whole evenings devoted to the subject (religion) and all the oneupmanship and humble bragging (which is the same thing) that goes with it...ugh. I cancelled on a friend last week because I knew that would be the agenda and I couldn't be bothered.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWe chose to look at growth in our little town (including outlying areas, about 3000 population) as good for our home value. So far the things that didn't fit are long gone. There is a new something remodeling what was once a bakery in the 30's. They are putting a ton of $$ into it, I hope it is worth it.
ReplyDeleteThere is a discrepancy here between what locals say they want (the independent fishmonger and delicatessens went out of business) and what thrives- bars, restaurants and beauty salons - so night time economy and getting dolled up for the same...
DeleteI suppose we are lucky people want to invest, the area has transformed since we arrived 10 years ago and it was all a bit tatty.