These characteristics also apply to chain restaurants and some service-oriented chain businesses. Some argue that the standardized products which result from such centralization are culturally detrimental; for example, chain music stores are frowned upon by some for stocking works of more popular music if they exclude less well known, usually independent artists. Critics of chains allege that they are economically damaging to communities because they extract capital that otherwise would recirculate in the local economy with independently owned businesses.

The displacement of independent businesses by chains has generated controversy in many nations and has sparked increased collaboration among independent businesses and communities to prevent chain proliferation. Such efforts occur within national trade groups such as the American Booksellers Association and Council of Independent Restaurants of America as well as community-based coalitions such as Independent Business Alliances. National entities like the American Independent Business Alliance and The New Rules Project promote these efforts in the U.S. In Britain, the New Economics Foundation promotes community-based economics and independent ownership.

By 2004, the world's largest retail chain, Wal-Mart, was the world's largest corporation in terms of gross sales.

Business chains

A business chain is a network of physical business locations, which all provide similar services or products, and share a brand. A retail chain is a type of business chain. They inevitably also share some degree of central management, supply chains, training programs, personnel, etc. They tend to either be parts of a single company or franchises, in which individual store owners license the use of the shared brand, training, and know-how. Chains of both main sorts tend to make purchases and licensing agreements as a single entity. Exceptions to these generalizations include Steve's Pizza in New York and EasyPizza in London. Even two stores or restaurants or businesses owned by the same person or group can constitute a local chain. Some large chains -- McDonald's, for instance -- are among the largest retail businesses in the world.

Restaurant chains

A restaurant chain is a set of related restaurants, usually with the same name in many different locations either under shared corporate ownership (e.g., In-N-Out Burgers in the U.S.) or franchising agreements. Typically, the restaurants within a chain are built to a standard format and offer a standard menu. Fast food restaurants are the most common, but there are also upscale versions. Restaurants chains are often found near shopping malls and tourist areas.

The proliferation of chain restaurants (and other chain businesses) is becoming an increasingly controversial trend worldwide. A common concern is nation-wide homogenization of culture, low wages often payed to employees of chain restaurants, and the furthering of suburban sprawl. In the U.S., a movement is building among communities and independent businesses opposing this trend. Examples include the American Independent Business Alliance, The New Rules Project and the Council of Independent Restaurant Associations.

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