I read Jen Davenport’s recent op-ed with understanding for her frustrations as a parent preparing children for college [“Basic needs hard to find in Greenfield,” Recorder, Aug. 20]. The challenges she describes are real and shared by many families. However, as a business person and real estate investor who has worked in multiple small towns, I feel compelled to offer a broader perspective on the economic forces at play and to recognize the individuals working hard for Greenfield’s future.
The retail challenges we face are not unique, nor are they simply local policy failures. In 2024 alone, major retailers announced 7,325 closures nationwide, according to Coresight Research. Family Dollar is closing 677 stores, Walgreens 259, Big Lots 360, and Lumber Liquidators is shutting down entirely. Even large chains with deep resources are struggling against shifts in how Americans shop.
The rise of e-commerce has changed consumer behavior permanently, and we must acknowledge our role in it. Every time we shop online or drive to Hadley or Northampton for convenience, we reinforce the very trend that makes it harder for our local stores to survive. This isn’t about blame but about recognizing that our collective choices shape Greenfield’s retail landscape.
While it is easy to focus on what’s missing, we must acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of those supporting local businesses. In City Hall, staff like Christian LaPlante and Amy Chaillane have worked diligently to attract and support businesses. Hannah at the Greenfield Business Association and Jessye Deane at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce are tireless advocates for our economy.
We are also seeing meaningful investments: the Mass family’s renovation of the Garden Theater, the Franklin Community Coop’s proposed renovation of 294 Main St., and thriving local businesses like Hope & Olive, Rise Above, and salon owner Tim Fisk’s storefront transformation. These enterprises succeed precisely because they offer experiences no chain or online outlet can provide.
As a real estate investor, I support these businesses not just through downtown investment but also as a regular customer. Historic preservation and adaptive reuse, like the Coop project, give us the authentic sense of place that consumers increasingly value. This is how communities like ours stand out from generic shopping centers.
We should be clear: we will not see the downtown of 30 years ago. The era of abundant chain stores is largely behind us, not just in Greenfield but across small-town America. National economic forces, consumer habits, and online shopping have changed the landscape everywhere. The question is how we adapt.
Experts like Deb Brown, who revitalizes small towns across the country, emphasize a new model: involve locals, think creatively, and focus on building unique destinations. Many towns have learned that courting big box retailers is not the path to prosperity. Instead, they succeed by developing vibrant cultural venues, independent restaurants, and niche retailers that attract both residents and visitors.
This model is working here. Recent state tourism data shows visitors contributing more than $106 million to Franklin County’s economy — evidence that our focus on unique, authentic downtown experiences is paying off.
That said, Ms. Davenport raises valid concerns about retail availability. These deserve attention, but the solution is not simply “any chain store that will come.” Effective small-town development requires strategy, including:
- Mixed-use projects that combine retail, housing, and services
- Support for entrepreneurs filling market gaps
- Infrastructure improvements to attract businesses and shoppers
- Cultural and entertainment venues that give people reasons to stay downtown
- Regional collaboration to share resources and marketing
Greenfield is positioned well, sitting at the junction of I-91 and Route 2. But turning this into sustained opportunity takes time, planning, and broad community support.
Our economic development is not a failed experiment — it is an ongoing effort. The professionals and entrepreneurs working on our behalf deserve recognition and support. The challenges we face are shared nationwide, and solving them will require innovation, patience, and community buy-in.
Rather than lamenting what we’ve lost, let’s commit to building a Greenfield that serves residents’ needs while preserving what makes our community distinctive. Together, we can continue strengthening the economic and social fabric of our town.
Timothy Grader lives Southampton.