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The effects on small businesses? Like increasing foot traffic to their stores? Why should apple bring 10% more customers into the mall than anyone else but have to pay the same rent. Then it would be other stores that would be freeloading off Apple's success.

Not everything Apple does produces a magical halo effect for those around them. Foot traffic in the Apple Store does not necessarily equate to foot traffic in Sandra's Lingerie Outlet even if it's within a short walking distance, and Sandra gets the double privilege of low patronage and higher proportional rents.

But no, you're right, big business is always helpful to those around them. Just look at the wonderful benefits Walmart brings to its communities!

I sometimes half expect some of my Apple fan brethren to arrive on unicorns with lightning bolts in both hands.
 
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