Oregon County Bans Chain Stores

In Oregon’s Wallowa County, a recent ordinance bans “formula” businesses from operating within the area amid concerns over the spread of dollar stores throughout the community, reports local news source Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Joseph City, where the legislation was passed, defines a formula business as a storefront required to have “prescribed standards and features, particularly for exterior color schemes, signs or architectural design.” The ordinance notes exceptions for gas stations, financial institutions, and other business types. Otherwise, most chain stores and restaurants are banned in Joseph’s commercial areas, said the report.

“We want smaller stores, locally owned stores, specialty boutiques, mom-and-pop shops,” said Joseph City Mayor Lisa Collier. “We want to protect that commerce [so that] it will be local.”

Erika Polmar, co-founder of No Dollar General, a group formed after the retailer planned to open a second location in the county, told Oregon Public Broadcasting that the county is one of many to take action and that 70 city governments have banned formula businesses across the country, she said.

“The thing that Dollar General does well is that they target low-income communities and communities that are struggling,” she said. “Unfortunately, they will have business because people are keen on finding a bargain.” Full Story