DISCUSSION WEEK 30 (Sunday Nov. 22nd)

Discussion Week 30 - 'Mom or Pop' Stores or 'Big Retail'

Corporations are taking over the world of retail in most most parts of the world, in Japan however, even though large corporations exist(Aeon, Costco,  Seiyu), there still seem to be a lot of 'Mom and Pop' stores running, they seem to even be a part of Japanese culture.  Are they destined to fail in the next few years as more and more large shopping centres/corporations spring up around Japan?

Shopping arcades are slowly turning into abandoned streets, even Nayamachi has a lot of shops that don't get many customers, will these slowly disappear while cheaper options are available just nearby at places like Gyoumu or Aeon?

What do you think is better for everyone? 'Mom and Pop' style stores, or Large corporate supermarkets/shopping centres?