Social sustainability of rural community well-being and designing a planning process that will minimize the negative impacts of "Big Box" retailers

All over the United States, "Big Box" retail chain stores are being built. Historically, these were built in large urban centers. However, in the past fifteen years, these "Big Boxes" have been moving into rural areas having enormous impacts on smaller mom and pop owned retailers and down town areas of small towns. This case study explores the historical economic trends and cultural influences on a proposed site of a "Big Box" in one rural location. Rather than rehashing the negative impacts of "Big Box" retailers on small rural communities, this study will document the positive (if any) effects that such a development can have on community well-being in a rural community when stakeholders participate in its design. By carefully examining the dynamics of addressing economic diversity, cultural diversity, local governing bodies, local merchants and power elites, the primary objective of this project is to be pro-active in designing a planning process that will ensure the minimization of negative impacts of "Big Boxes." The goal is to provide ways to protect existing culture, character and uniqueness of a place when a community considers accepting a large retail enterprise.