Winter 2007

Competing to Win By Heather Johnson Durocher

Stowe Just Says No

The approximately 70 independent retail shops in Stowe, VT, compete only with one another, not any big-box stores, thanks to the tourist town’s commitment to mom-and-pop businesses.

“Definitely Stowe doesn’t want big-box—that’s clear,” says Tom Jackman, director of planning for the 4,700-population town. “It’s a small town, a historic village totally based on tourism, on our scenic beauty and our recreational opportunities.”

Stowe’s commercial zoning districts allow retail businesses up to 3,500 square feet in size, “which precludes what people consider big-box,” Jackman says.

“Even if a ‘big-box’ store wanted to come in could find a place, under our conditional use review we do for commercial establishments, one of the criteria is the use wouldn’t have an adverse effect on the character of the area,” he adds.

The arrangement works well for everyone involved. “People realize the whole economy of the town is based on tourism, so if we sacrifice the character, they won’t come,” Jackman says.

Heather Johnson Durocher

Durocher is a northern Michigan-based journalist who writes frequently about business for newspapers and magazines. She has contributed to USA Weekend, Woman's Day, Parents and American Baby. Visit her website at HeatherDurocher.com