OPINION: Why Another Nail Salon or Chicken Spot? Basic Economics, Y’all.
If you've spent more than ten minutes on a local Facebook group in Forney, you've likely seen it:
“Do we really need another nail salon?”
“Seriously, another fried chicken place?!”
“Another Donut spot?!"
Here’s the thing. Businesses — whether they're selling fried chicken, acrylics, or donuts — don’t pop up because someone spun a wheel labeled “Random Store Generator.” They open because people spend money there. It's not a conspiracy. It’s basic economics. It’s... supply and demand.
Let’s break it down like this: If 500 people a day are buying fried chicken tenders in town, you better believe more chicken joints are going to show up. It's not that we "need" another one — it’s that the last few are making money. The same goes for nail salons. If the chairs are full and the appointment books are booked out for days, guess what? Someone’s going to open another one. That’s not poor city planning — that’s a businessperson seeing opportunity.
Blame the mirror, not the map.
If it feels like every corner has a chicken spot or a mani/pedi spot, maybe it’s because we really like chicken and manicures. The truth is, if half of Forney skipped fried food for a week, we’d probably get a salad bar or two. But as long as the drive-thrus are packed and Instagram is full of glitter nails, you can bet your bottom dollar the free market will respond accordingly.
“But why don’t we get more bookstores or vegan cafes?”
Simple: Not enough people are supporting them. Donut shops? Slammed every morning. That’s not a fluke. That’s called a successful business model. A business isn’t a charity. They don’t stay open just to make your neighborhood look trendy. They need sales. If you want a different kind of Forney, you have to spend your money like it.
Until then, yes — you're probably getting another chicken place, and yes — another salon is on the way.
But here's a wild idea: instead of groaning about it on Facebook, go open the type of business you wish existed here. Put your money (and effort) where your mouth is.
And if that sounds like too much work, well... there’s always that new nail spot opening next to the donut shop.
P.S. Support local. Support smart. Or hey — you could just grab a box of glazed and call it a day.
