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From Main Street to Mall Street: Why Rhode Island Needs a Small Business Renaissance

Writer's picture: Jesse TolppaJesse Tolppa

Updated: Dec 27, 2024


Historic photo of Main Street in East Greenwich, RI (From the files of Alan F. Clark)
Historic photo of Main Street in East Greenwich, RI (From the files of Alan F. Clark). Photo obtained from www.eastgreenwichnews.com

Picture this: It's 1950 on Main Street in East Greenwich. The smell of fresh bread wafts from the local bakery as kids press their noses against the window of the family-owned toy store. The hardware store owner knows everyone by name, and the local diner serves as the community's living room. This wasn't just East Greenwich – from Wickford to Warren, Rhode Island's Main Streets were the beating hearts of their communities.


The Golden Age of Main Street: When Local Meant Everything


Back in the day, Main Street wasn't just a place to shop – it was where communities came to life. Every dollar spent circulated through town like a friendly game of hot potato, building local wealth and creating a thriving middle class. Rhode Island's own Main Streets were economic powerhouses, with small businesses serving as both the backbone of the local economy and the soul of their communities.



Wickford Village Square and post office.
Wickford Village Square and post office. Photo obtained from www.nklibrary.org

The Great Shift: How Main Street Lost Its Mojo


The 1950s brought unprecedented change. The new interstate highway system made distant shopping centers accessible to local communities. Suburban malls emerged across the landscape, and big box stores arrived with prices that small businesses struggled to match. This shift marked the beginning of a fundamental change in American commerce.


The Corporate Takeover: The Rise of National Chains


By the 1980s, the retail landscape had transformed. Chain stores expanded rapidly, and corporate consolidation became standard practice. The arrival of the internet and e-commerce created new challenges, forcing local businesses to compete not just with physical stores but with an entire digital marketplace.




The Real Cost: Beyond Economic Impact


When a Main Street business closes, the community loses more than just a store. We lose:


  • Jobs that supported local families

  • Community gathering spaces

  • Distinct local character

  • Money that once circulated in our local economy

  • The entrepreneurial spirit that built Rhode Island


Signs of Revival


Just as Main Street's story seemed to be ending, a remarkable shift began. Communities started recognizing the irreplaceable value of local businesses. The "buy local" movement emerged not as a trend, but as a renaissance of community-focused commerce. Rhode Island stands uniquely positioned to lead this revival.


Dear Hearts Ice Cream in Pawtuxet Village in Cranston, RI
Dear Hearts Ice Cream in Pawtuxet Village in Cranston, RI. Photo from https://warwickpost.com/

Why Rhode Island Small Business Can Lead the Way


Our state's size and character create unique advantages. From Hope Street in Providence to Thames Street in Newport, we're demonstrating how Main Streets can thrive in the modern era.


Local businesses are succeeding by combining traditional strengths with modern innovation:


  • Personalized service

  • Deep local knowledge

  • Strong community connections

  • Authentic character

  • Modern digital solutions


Your Role in the Renaissance


This isn't merely history – it's an opportunity for change. Every purchase at a local business is a choice that shapes our communities. Every dollar spent at a Rhode Island small business strengthens our state's economy and cultural fabric.


Banisters Wharf in Newport, RI
Banisters Wharf in Newport, RI. Photo from newenglandtravelplanner.com

The Next Chapter


The story of Rhode Island's Main Streets continues to evolve. Communities are actively choosing to support local businesses, recognizing their vital role in building strong, resilient neighborhoods. The future of Main Street depends on conscious choices and community support.


Interested In Starting A Business?


If you've ever dreamed of starting your own business, I want to help make that dream a reality. Every new local business brings us one step closer to rebuilding the vibrant Main Streets that once defined our communities. I'm offering my time, free of charge, to sit down with anyone who wants to explore starting a business. Let's talk about your vision and create a roadmap to success - because your business could be part of writing Rhode Island's next great small business chapter.



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