What is happening to New England culture?

With the upcoming demise of Filene's, it's hard to say that New England's cultural icons are in a state of stability. Friendly's seems to be closing locations left and right. Bickford's has also done the same to many locations. And with new information that the population of Massachusetts has actually decreased in the last year, will this trend ever end?

In the retail world, the 1990's were devestating to area chains. Following problems with it's central chain, Montgomery Ward proceeded to shutter all Lechmere stores, and for that matter, there were no Montgomery Wards in New England by the end of the decade. Another area electronics store, Fretter, was out by the mid-90's. Grossman's, the local equivalent of Home Depot, saw it's demise in the decade, though it's presence remains today in the "Grossman's Bargain Outlet" chain. And HQ, although a national chain, had given in to Home Depot and closed all locations. There's plenty of other chains to mention, especially the rebranding of Jordan Marsh to Macy's in 1996.

With all of these changes, what will be left of local society by 2020? Following the demise of Jordan Marsh, Filene's still served that role of being a New England department store. When Filene's and Kaufmann's consolidated offices in Boston a few years ago, the role of Filene's seemed even more solidified. Yet this recent merger has changed everything, and now even the fate of a national chain (Lord and Taylor) is in doubt.

In the past, New England has brought Howard Johnsons, Friendly's, and so many other icons to the national front. But what's left? TJX, Staples, and Dunkin Donuts are the main standouts, but at this rate, how much longer will any of these last?

My point: As the country emerges into more of a homogenized society, New England institutions will give way to national icons run from large metropolises; Boston not being one of them.