Someone said big box stores plan to locate smaller outlets in neighborhood communities to fill a need, adding, "That's what we had before big box stores replaced them. They were called 'hardware stores.'"

Shopping is often not as much fun these days with ridiculous prices and service that went out the window with the "help yourself" premise and staff reductions.

And how long will small businesses stay open when challenged by a shaky economy and ever-present multitudes of time-consuming taxing government reports?

My wise late husband, Gordy Byers, said, "You don't just own a small business, you marry it."

Do you remember the early days of shopping malls bursting with bargains, customers eager to buy and sales people plentiful? The days when clothes racks were placed far enough apart an average person could actually walk between them without standing sideways?

Not now. Take one garment off an overstocked rack and the whole mess tags along. Just standing in those aisles is awkward when someone tries to squeeze by.

On a recent rare trip to a mall this old saying came to mind: "We never miss the water until the well runs dry." I knew what I wanted to buy yet couldn't find it. And not one sales person was within lady like hollering distance in the large store.

No one helps fit shoes anymore either. They bring boxes and disappear.

Personal service seems to be one person at a kiosk cash register with a restless waiting line.

Good customer service was 30-plus years of Benson's Apparel where they greeted you with a smile and found a way to nip, tuck and alter clothing to fit.

Local residents still miss family-owned Des Moines Hardware store and the landmark Johnny's IGA.

I left the mall with merchandise that doesn't fit, isn't what I wanted, must be returned and that reminded me to appreciate our small businesses more.

Small-community residents should take a walk around town visiting business people and mentally picture your city without them. Considering escalating gasoline costs, the best shopping bargain may also be in our own back yard.

Big box stores do provide a great variety of choices and discount prices. Des Moines residents welcome the nearby Lowe's and rebuilt Fred Meyer store.

Planning the future of Des Moines business in 2005, the Des Moines City Council authorized Ravenhurst Development Inc. to create an Economic Development Strategy.

The report defuses common conclusion that big box businesses create financial hardship to small business.

Incorporated in that study are Mayor Bob Sheckler's Leadership Committees suggestions. Here are excerpts:

"Many communities do battle with big box retailers as they feel they practice poor social values and rob business from small local retailers. There are very few retailers within the Des Moines city limits from whom to rob business. The downtown core does not have an extensive line-up of established retailers.

"In Des Moines there is an opportunity to use tax revenues from big box retailers to strengthen community features that they are often accused of destroying. Retail sales tax revenues can be earmarked for downtown revitalization and improvement to the waterfront."

Objective 1: "Improve the livability and image of the City of Des Moines by creating a vibrant 'main street' on Marine View Drive and a pleasant and viable community waterfront through the marina and in Beach Park."

Objective 2: "Encourage commercial development and industrial job creation as a means to provide municipal revenues to support the livability projects."

(This section makes recommendations regarding Marine View Drive, Pacific Ridge and the Business Park district for commercial development.)

Objective 3: "Encourage residential development to stimulate single-family home ownership and support a vibrant downtown community."

This we know. Sculpting the face of downtown Des Moines must be done with the sensitivity of a fine surgeon. We must not rush to grants, hurry to spend them and later remember this is no Waterland Festival we are creating that goes away in five days. This is a permanent legacy for future generations.

Examine the reasons people want to live here. Preserve and build on those reasons. And be very careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water.

Thought for today: He who influences the thoughts of his times influences the times that follow - Elbert Hubbard.