System Works Both Ways

Sharon Bernstein’s article (Valley Business, Dec. 8) on the Korean grocers’ dilemma illustrates a dilemma faced by generations of Americans before them. While I understand the small-business owners’ dismay at the prospect of being undersold by a supermarket, I think they should examine the reasons they or their ancestors came to America--capitalism and the opportunity to do business in a “free market.” Now that the market system is about to work against them, they are protesting.

Our market system allows anyone who has the capital to open a business. Of course, it is sound business practice to be certain the neighborhood can support the venture. It was pointed out in the article that until last summer there were six mom and pop stores in the Valley, but the Korean community is not strong enough to support so many markets, so two went out of business. Whether the community is strong enough to support the remaining four is questionable. It appears they have two alternatives:

* Direct their retail experience to a more in-demand market, or

* Form a partnership of sorts and purchase their merchandise in larger quantities.

To accomplish the latter, they would need to be organized enough to collaborate on their orders, distribute the merchandise among themselves according to their requirements, and be certain everyone paid their share, but by doing so they just might be able to retain their customer base.

I am sure the Korean community would prefer to continue shopping in small stores where they likely have personal relationships with the owners and clerks, and their allegiance to these business owners may send a message to the supermarkets that they are not wanted in the Valley.

Instead of wasting their time crying “unfair” and protesting, the Korean grocers could turn their energies to saving themselves. Because of their sense of community, they may be able to save themselves from the fate of so many mom and pop entrepreneurs that have failed to prevent the intrusion of supermarkets in the past.

SUSAN A. CALLIHAN

Van Nuys