I stood near a corner in the heart of the retail district. Chain stores caught my eye. They included AT&T, Marshall's, TJ Max, Sleepy's, Foot Locker, T-Mobile, and Payless (seen in the photo). It was like visiting a mall. The district had become homogenized.
Years ago, locally owner stores pervaded this area. They gave it a character.
Something else caught my eye. Several storefronts were vacant. Signs advertised retail space.
Fewer shoppers visit this district than in years past. Blame it on chain store homogenization. There's little unique charm to lure shoppers from their homes in the suburbs.
There's still hope for a turnaround. Internet spending is hurting sales at corporate brick and motor stores. Perhaps these chain stores will retreat. Mom and Pop stores will rise again. The district will regain a character of its own.
In the photo up top, notice the bag carried by the woman. It identifies a boutique she had patronized a few blocks away. Downtown Boston needs more boutiques and fewer chains.
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