2008 Woodie Awards
editorial: Starbucks, Staples threaten unique town atmosphere
Issue date: 10/18/07 Section: Opinions
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For students trickling in from urban and suburban corners of the world alike, the town of Middlebury is a wonderful - and too often ignored - resource and retreat during our time at the College. And for the many faculty and staff who work on campus, the town is often at the hub of a deep and vibrant relationship with the community that extends far beyond the reach of the College's own boundaries. With Starbucks and Staples eyeing property in Middlebury, residents and friends of the town are charged with considering the changing face of town commerce, and while many students call Middlebury home for only the brief four years of their undergraduate educations, they too are called upon to join the debate.
For students at the College, the addition of a few more franchises - the proposed Staples and Starbucks joining a small but noticeable fleet of national corporations that have already taken root in town - the decision may not seem especially weighty. Indeed, more than a few students have already voiced their elation that they'll no longer have to wait for those trips to Burlington for their Starbucks fix. But the franchises would only fuel the very over-commercialization of the town that has accelerated in the last five years. Since 2003, Dunkin Donuts, the Marriott, T.J. Maxx and the Hannaford superstore have all opened their doors to Middlebury shoppers. While many have heralded the arrival of larger franchises, celebrating the undeniable convenience afforded by "big-box" stores, other residents bemoan the changing face of yet another small New England town.
This is a slippery slope, and the consequences of over-commercialization in town are too dangerous to ignore. The proposed location of the new franchises would only continue to draw attention away from the town's center, pulling more consumers to the Centre Shopping Plaza, currently home to Hannaford, T.J. Maxx and McDonald's. And more troubling still are the potential consequences for small business owners, many of whom depend on business from the College to stay afloat.
For students at the College, the addition of a few more franchises - the proposed Staples and Starbucks joining a small but noticeable fleet of national corporations that have already taken root in town - the decision may not seem especially weighty. Indeed, more than a few students have already voiced their elation that they'll no longer have to wait for those trips to Burlington for their Starbucks fix. But the franchises would only fuel the very over-commercialization of the town that has accelerated in the last five years. Since 2003, Dunkin Donuts, the Marriott, T.J. Maxx and the Hannaford superstore have all opened their doors to Middlebury shoppers. While many have heralded the arrival of larger franchises, celebrating the undeniable convenience afforded by "big-box" stores, other residents bemoan the changing face of yet another small New England town.
This is a slippery slope, and the consequences of over-commercialization in town are too dangerous to ignore. The proposed location of the new franchises would only continue to draw attention away from the town's center, pulling more consumers to the Centre Shopping Plaza, currently home to Hannaford, T.J. Maxx and McDonald's. And more troubling still are the potential consequences for small business owners, many of whom depend on business from the College to stay afloat.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Anonymous
posted 10/18/07 @ 9:57 AM EST
This is an eloquent and insightful commentary. However, please also consider in this discussion the needs of poor Vermonters, of which there are many -- some living within a few blocks of campus. (Continued…)
paige pierson
posted 10/22/07 @ 7:51 PM EST
Hi,
Um, do any of you Middlebury students know how to spell stationery? I know that the store you keep referencing downtown knows how to spell it. (Continued…)
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