In our consumer society, all of us are probably familiar with the chain store. Places like Wal-Mart, Target, and Walgreens have become a staple of the American society and economy, not to mention those unbeatable prices.

Whether it’s a multi-purpose store like Target, or a bulk shopping store like Costco or Sam’s Club, most people use chain stores daily to buy anything and everything they may need. Despite the somewhat overwhelming number of options in these stores, their popularity has been exploding recently in the United States due to their great prices and fantastic customer service (especially when you consider a warehouse store such as Costco, which, in many cases, allows consumers to buy twice the amount of product for just a fraction of the price that you would find in another store).

Many of these stores also pour millions of dollars into various community outreach programs. For example, Minnesota’s own Target is partners with dozens of organizations from the Red Cross to the American Legion. The Target Corporation is also involved with disaster relief, donating money and supplies to just about every major natural disaster we’ve seen this year. Additionally, Target has given thousands to the Red Cross with every catastrophe, along with making sure that all stores in the area are amply stocked with supplies for the victims of these crises.

When there’s no natural disaster to relieve, Target and big parent corporations like SuperValu (owners of Cub Foods) also offer many perks to their staff. There are multiple scholarships available for people in this field of work, as well as comprehensive health care for their employees. Along with these, both stores offer discounts on many of the goods stocked, as well as customer service rewards and drawings.

Another advantage of these “big box” stores is the creation of jobs. Wal-Mart alone employs the second largest number of people in the United States, just behind the Federal Government. When one of these stores moves into a neighborhood, it can help the unemployment rate in that community drop exponentially.

With their rock-bottom prices and great customer service, these stores have turned themselves into a cornerstone of the suburban lifestyle. Whether they’re a source of income for your family, or a place to pick up the necessities, chain stores are vital to the American community.