In the humongous office building where I currently work, there used to be a small fragrance store and a restaurant that specialized in salads. Both disappeared this month. Right here in town, I pass an independently-owned furniture store every day as I walk to and from the train. As of this evening, it's empty, too.
I never shopped in any of these places, yet still, I feel like crying. Each of these small business represented someone's dreams and it's painful to consider the heartbreak these closures have caused.