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VPR's coverage of arts and culture in the region.

Why Vermont Is Big-Box Averse, Except When It's Not

Some Vermonters are vocal in their opposition to certain big box retailers, while others celebrate when when certain shops come to town. We're looking at attitudes toward big box retail in Vermont.
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Some Vermonters are vocal in their opposition to certain big box retailers, while others celebrate when when certain shops come to town. We're looking at attitudes toward big box retail in Vermont.

Vermonters have a complicated relationship with big-box retail stores. Some inspire vocal opposition, while others are accepted, or even celebrated. We're talking about why Vermonters are big-box averse, except when they're not.

Jane Kolodinsky, chair of UVM's community development and applied economics department, discusses her research on consumer behavior and people's perceptions of these chain stores and the items they sell.

And Noelle MacKay, former commissioner of the state's Housing and Community Development department and past director of Burlington's Community and Economic Development office, shares what she's heard from Vermonters about big-box stores, land use and development and preserving downtowns.

Broadcast live on Monday, Nov. 19, 2018 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Jane Lindholm is the host, executive producer and creator of But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids. In addition to her work on our international kids show, she produces special projects for Vermont Public. Until March 2021, she was host and editor of the award-winning Vermont Public program Vermont Edition.
Matt Smith worked for Vermont Public from 2017 to 2023 as managing editor and senior producer of Vermont Edition.
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