NSA AWOL

If a large food selling box store is sited at the Gateway Mall then the folks at the National Supermarket Association, the group that represents independent supermarkets, will have no one but themselves to blame. At no point, in spite of the Alliance's urging, did they deem it important to weigh in on this issue.

Now we'll see just how much of an impact a $60 million a year food/club store and an additional $30 million regional chain supermarket has on the stores in this Bronx corridor. If stores do close, as we are sure some will, then the blame will rest partly on retailers who won't stand up for their own interests. Without the support of these independents in a fight like this the full load is put on the shoulders of the UFCW, and as we've seen over the last few days no one is all-powerful and coalitions are vital in achieving political success.