The mainline retail landscape across America is bleak. Advertising pull-back by the likes of Macy's, collapse of mid-level retailers such as Gottschalks, and confusion on the part of chain buyers of what to present to a newly- cost-conscious America add up to a loss of mindshare by the big retailers.

This sets up a perfect opportunity for local boutiques to do what they do best: lure customers from a boring retail environment by buying and marketing to their local constituencies in a relevant and interesting way.

You do often hear that it's the small shops that are more nimble, that can change and adapt to economic conditions faster and easier than gigantic ships like Walmart.

It shows that the economy is doing fine enough (at least here) that people can still spend money on extraneous frivolous self-centered garbage instead of giving some of that extra income to charity and helping some of the local services that got their funding cut so drastically (i.e., Marjoree Mason Center, ASPCA, etc.). Way to go, Fresno!

It's showing the true power and value of the local retailer to the local customer. Supporting entrepreneurs is a win-win for a community as it adds to the variety of purchasing options and allows for friendships with merchants whom also live here.