The first was simple enough: I went to buy some Christmas cards at my local newsagent. But somehow, as often happens in small communities, the conversation turned to something bigger. The struggles of local businesses here on the Isle of Man.

It struck me that this isn’t just a local issue. I imagine it’s a UK-wide problem too.

Here’s why.

Large companies — Tesco, Amazon, and the like — dominate the market. Tesco alone made £1.6 billion in profit last year. They can steamroll prices and products in a way that small, independent shops simply can’t compete with. If Tesco decides to sell cards, paint, or ironing boards, they don’t even need to make a profit on those items. They just do it to keep the overall machine running, ensuring their billions keep climbing.

And yet, these corporations present themselves as community champions. They donate money, sponsor events, and talk about how much they care. But at the same time, their sheer scale and strategy stamp out businesses that have truly been part of the community for generations.

It makes me wonder: are they contributing to a generation that doesn’t care? A generation that sees convenience and low prices as the only measure of value, forgetting the deeper role that local shops play in our towns and villages.

The second experience was out at Glen Maye fair in Patrick — a craft fair put on by local residents. There were handmade Christmas decorations, sponges, soaps, dresses, reusable Nollick Ghennal ornaments, hats, and more, all lovingly created.

I spent quite a bit of money there, but more importantly, I was reminded of something: we mean more to each other than global business ever could. Our relationships with one another are what help us survive the dark winter days and the endless rain we get on the island.

There will be change. I don’t know when, but I don’t think the big companies are going to get their way forever. Because in the end, it’s not about prices. It’s about something much more important than that. It’s about the value we bring to each other.

The first was simple enough: I went to buy some Christmas cards at my local newsagent. But somehow, as often happens in small communities, the conversation turned to something bigger. The struggles of local businesses here on the Isle of Man.

It struck me that this isn’t just a local issue. I imagine it’s a UK-wide problem too.

Here’s why.

Large companies — Tesco, Amazon, and the like — dominate the market. Tesco alone made £1.6 billion in profit last year. They can steamroll prices and products in a way that small, independent shops simply can’t compete with. If Tesco decides to sell cards, paint, or ironing boards, they don’t even need to make a profit on those items. They just do it to keep the overall machine running, ensuring their billions keep climbing.

And yet, these corporations present themselves as community champions. They donate money, sponsor events, and talk about how much they care. But at the same time, their sheer scale and strategy stamp out businesses that have truly been part of the community for generations.

It makes me wonder: are they contributing to a generation that doesn’t care? A generation that sees convenience and low prices as the only measure of value, forgetting the deeper role that local shops play in our towns and villages.

The second experience was out at Glen Maye fair in Patrick — a craft fair put on by local residents. There were handmade Christmas decorations, sponges, soaps, dresses, reusable Nollick Ghennal ornaments, hats, and more, all lovingly created.

I spent quite a bit of money there, but more importantly, I was reminded of something: we mean more to each other than global business ever could. Our relationships with one another are what help us survive the dark winter days and the endless rain we get on the island.

There will be change. I don’t know when, but I don’t think the big companies are going to get their way forever. Because in the end, it’s not about prices. It’s about something much more important than that. It’s about the value we bring to each other.