What does "independently owned business" mean? Like all other industries, the rose business must adapt to changing conditions in the marketplace. In the past, a florist shop was most likely a local

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What does "independently owned business" mean? Like all other industries, the rose business must adapt to changing conditions in the marketplace. In the past, a florist shop was most likely a local, independently owned business that bought roses from a wholesaler who purchased them from a farmer. On special days like Valentine’s Day, the cost of a dozen roses rises twofold or more as a result of high demand . Today, suppliers of roses include large supermarket chains, wholesalers who sell directly at many locations, and direct telephone marketers. The romance of roses has been replaced by economic realities.

Jul 25, 2014 11:23 PM

Answers · 3

It means a (small to medium-sized) business owned by an individual or a family, as opposed to a big chain of wholesalers or supermarkets or regional, national or international retailers. The writer wishes to highlight the contrast between the two. Indeed, in many cities around the world, small traditional shops have been forced out of business by large corporations.

July 25, 2014