A Wal-Mart in my

This is a guest post by one of our awesomely cool local parents, Cindy McCarthy. That's her in the photo with her two little cutie pies. Awww!

In addition to being a mother of two, Cindy is an urban explorer of kid-sized Chicago and author of a blog that highlights family friendly restaurants, activities, classes and events. You can also follow Cindy on Twitter.

And now... take it away Cindy!

One of the reasons we chose to raise our family in Chicago is that there are such diverse neighborhoods here and there are so many friendly, locally owned businesses within them. From donuts at Dinkels Bakery to toy shopping at Building Blocks, we have tons of amazing shops within walking distance of our home.

So when I heard that Wal-Mart was considering a site in East Lakeview at Broadway & Surf, I felt a bit of panic. According to the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce, when a Wal-Mart that comes to a neighborhood, 25% of the local small businesses in that 'hood close. Yikes!

CBS Chicago recently reported that Wal-Mart no longer plans to move into Lakeview, but is now eyeing a Bucktown location. Does this change my opinion? No way. Regardless of where Wal-Mart builds and even if its not in my neighborhood, small businesses will feel the pressure.

Dont get me wrong. Im not saying I never shop at chain stores. Please! I challenge you to find a mother of two toddlers who doesnt take regular trips to Target or another big box store. Still, I cant help but hate the idea of our amazing city becoming more homogeneous.

Come on Chicago parents, you know what I mean. One of the things that makes our city unique is a place like 80-year-old Margies Candies that hands out free ice creams to kids who bring in a report card with an A on it. Not only do local stores offer great perks like free gift-wrapping or ice cream in the case of Margies, they also offer cool, one-of-a-kind products you cant get anywhere else, not to mention more personalized service.

Plus, the owners of these businesses are your neighbors so they tend to be more vested in their local communities. According to Local First Chicago, local stores put 70% more money back into the local community than chain stores and are better for the environment since they tend to make more local purchases, which require less transportation.

I know for my family, shopping locally as much as possible makes sense. Not only does it keep the dollars here in Chicago, but ensures Chicago remains an interesting and diverse place to live.

[Editor's Note: What do YOU think? Would you support a Wal-Mart in your neighborhood? Why or why not? Share your opinions with us in the comments below.]