'Bigger is better' not always true for customers The local retail scene was dealt a blow Friday when Copps Corp. announced that Roundy's had agreed to purchase the company. The agreement ends more than a year's worth of rumors that Copps would be sold in this era of "bigger is better." The agreement to purchase came a week after another longtime Stevens Point business, Point Sporting Goods, operator of both retail and wholesale outlets, filed a notice with the state that it will probably close March 30, unless a buyer or buyers could be found. Copps had become one of Stevens Point's most identifiable businesses in recent years, expanding in the state, including a new store in Plover. In 2000 the company had announced it was seeking investors to continue expansion at a faster rate to meet competition. Locally, Copps had many loyal customers, not just employees or relatives and friends of the many employees. In the 1990s, EconoFoods entered the Portage County market, building a large store in Plover. That triggered the demise of Westgate Market in Stevens Point, Gene's IGA in Plover, Piggly Wiggly in Park Ridge and finally Piggly Wiggly in Plover. But the customers of the four stores that went out of business showed their loyalty to Copps and Point County Market, shopping at the longtime area stores rather than the newcomer, which soon closed its doors. Point Sporting Goods held a niche in the sporting goods business, with most of its business in the wholesale market. The company also owned the longest, continuously operated store in the downtown, with many loyal customers. Ironically, another local business recently questioned loyalty among Portage County residents. The businessperson told The Gazette the business will probably move to a larger community. The business has heard enough people telling about items purchased at out-of-town stores, even though the price paid is two or three times more than the price the item sold for locally. Ironically, that's a trait of today's consumers. They're willing to travel great distances for a bargain, even though travel costs may eat any savings. A community's vitality depends on locally owned businesses. Chain stores and other businesses come and go, triggered by the pursuit of profits. The local owners stick with the community through thick and thin. - Gene Kemmeter You may reach Jim Schuh at The Gazette, or by e-mail at jpschuh@excite.com.