[captain_perl]

I read the article, but they missed an important point.

A lot of landlords are only choosing well-known brand chains because the value of their property increases - ie. the brand attaches to their portfolio, aside from the fact that chains may pay less because they have staff negotiators.

One landlord I read about said his property is worth 5% more if signs a Starbucks, for example.

Often they don't even want to talk to mom and pop stores anymore.