A note regarding franchises...
People often ask us if we are against chain stores. We are pro-local independent business. The ShoLo campaign seeks to educate consumers about the benefits of our hometown businesses, and to inspire citizens to support them. Part of that effort sometimes involves differentiating independents from chains and pointing out negative impacts corporate chain or "big box" retailers can have on our local economy and community, but this campaign is committed to keeping its overall message and focus positive.
We’re also asked why we don’t allow franchises into ShoLo membership. While many franchises are individually owned and operated, they do not fit our definition of being independent. A true independent business has complete authority to change things like the business name, logo, marketing materials, as well as determine where inventory is purchased. While franchise arrangements vary widely, allowing one into membership would mean ShoLo also would need to allow even franchises with heavy corporate support such as McDonald’s and Subway, that do not fit our definition of a local, independent business, and who already gain (and pay for) advantages such as national branding, advertising, and corporate business models from corporate offices located elsewhere. We have chosen to adhere to criteria of independence other communities doing this work also follow because it makes sense.
Part of the reason ShoLo was created was to help “level the playing field” by creating a business network of independent businesses. Working together to participate in activities like group advertising and making local governments aware of the value of independent businesses, we help local independent businesses better compete in a business climate that overwhelmingly favors franchise and chains. Most importantly, we educate citizens about how critical local independent businesses are to South Bend’s social, cultural and economic health—and about the stakes for our future embodied in each spending decision we make today.