Robert Spector

For many Americans, the phrase "mom and pop store" is irresistible, bringing back memories of a favorite candy store or corner grocery, usually run by an irascible immigrant with a hidden soft side. It's no news at all, of course, that the advent of monolithic chain stores and "big box" "category-killers," to use retailing parlance, threatens the existence of these embattled gems.

With "The Mom & Pop Store: How the Unsung Heroes of the American Economy Are Surviving and Thriving," Seattle-based business guru Robert Spector has written a celebration of the traditional virtues of such shops and a proclamation of their continued vitality. Spector crisscrossed the country, speaking to the owners of small operations from classic Jewish delis to Southern barbershops to funky Little Havana fruterias, listening to their stories and asking about their secrets to success. The common themes are no surprise: Customer service and a friendly atmosphere are the not-so-secret weapons against corporate competitors. In Dayton, Bill Furst of Furst Florist says, "We don't want to be the largest; we just want to be the best," before asking the author, "When you came through the front door, were you greeted with a smile?"

The stories that Spector has gathered are cheering testimonials to the value of hard work and creative retailing, heartwarming in this day of conglomerates. Despite his good intentions and obvious affection for his subjects, however, the author provides little evidence that these success stories are the norm rather than the exception.

Although Spector breezily begins with the assertion that "after the apocalypse, the only survivors will be cockroaches and mom & pop stores," he doesn't back it up. He offers few clues to how small-business owners can compete with the Wal-Marts or Best Buys, whose prices are kept low by vast economies of scale and whose computerized "just-in-time" inventories and national distribution offer immediate access to nearly limitless items.

Readers who enjoy Capra-esque stories about plucky general merchandising outfits run by colorful individualists will enjoy Spector's book. Those who are looking for a nuts-and-bolts account of how mom and pop stores can thrive in today's chilly retail climate will have to seek it elsewhere.

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 13, 2009… (altro)

I'd read the earlier edition of this book some years back and recall liking it. I was again pleased with this one and the stories that Spector and McCarty put forth. Spector is well known in the field of business writing and co writing this with a Nordstrom employee was an interesting twist. I think there's some idealism present as I cannot imagine every employee so easily and perfectly fits the mold, but I loved the stories that were told. It made me wish we had a Nordstrom locally, even though I don't think I'd be successful shopping there.

I also have no desire to know more about the Nordstrom of "garbage collection". Ew, no thanks.
The stories that reinforced Spector's points and themes were great, without being overdone. What was overdone, however, was the explanation of who the recurring people were. I know who Van Mansah is, I know the Nordstrom generations. I don't think they need to be explained each mention. Book would have benefitted from some better editing in that respect.… (altro)