the dueling department stores

The story of the dueling department stores in, Au Bonheur des Dames, shows us how big business has traditionally put craftsmen to rest. The once vibrant street of the locally run store is now at the mercy of Au Bonheur des Dames expansion, which is literally taking over the garment district. Baudu, a local garment shop, is feeling the frustration of trying to keep up with its rival department store. When it comes to selling Mouret is on top of his game. “ Whenever Au Bonheur des Dames creates a new department store, more of the small shops around it collapse” (215). For Mouret, every considerable detail must be touched upon. The department store is personified as a living being brought to life by the hundreds of people it employs. His store portrays the highest in quality and fashion, which is why Baudu must struggle to stay in the game. Au Bonheur des Dames has proven to be a force within the community and many of the local businesses are left in its dust. As crowds of women swoon to the elaborate displays, fanciful fabrics and intelligent architecture they become trapped by Mouret’s spell. “He wanted to make her a queen in his house and he had built this temple so that he could have her at his mercy.” (231) Baudu sluggishly puts up a fight. Loosing both customers and employees to Mouret’s mega store, Baudu is an example of how big business has exhausted small businesses. This story is a parallel to Congel's mega-mall in Syracuse. The proposal for Destiny USA plans to relocate 29 private businesses to make room for the Carousel Center expansion. The local shop owners, known as the Salina 29, feel they are not being paid properly for the relocation so they are standing their ground. This is an example of how big business is taking over, and small businesses like Baudu’s is struggling to keep up. It is evident that size demonstrates power and prominent figures will use their buildings as a power tool. As long as this trend keeps up the mom-n-pop shops will continue to be a thing of the past.