Consumers benefit from having both big and small stores in their communities.

Large retailers say they can offer customers a variety of necessary products for a cheaper price.

Small business owners acknowledge the need for those types of stores, and say they can make a go of it, in the shadows of their bigger counterparts.

The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce has about 1,200 business members… about half of those employee nine people or less.

Three small stores on the same street have managed to battle the big guys for years...

Whether it's the good 'ol Kirbys or the new fancy Dysons, vacuum cleaners have been Tom Ziegweid's way of life for the last 25 years.

It's that niche, along with cheap rent, and a business sense that keep his tiny shop of about 450 square feet open.

Out his front window and across Birch Street Tom can see that his neighbor of 23 years Mike is still going strong at his bait and taxidermy shop as well.

A few blocks down the road, the aroma changes, but warm greetings and friendly morning conversation are quite the same.

The sweet smells of Sue’s Bakery, and recipes that have been passed from her parents, aren't the only things that keep customers coming in.

But it's large and small together that keep any community viable.

While these three small stores have had some sort of success, Bob McCoy of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce says figures show seven out of ten won't make it.

But even with their struggles… Tom, Mike, and Sue wouldn't change their paths and plan to be business neighbors for years to come.