Vantaggi
Individually owned stores allow for a more family-based environment and down-to-earth management. Money usually goes back into the community instead of to corporate because of individual owners. Smaller stores are easier to manage and still see plenty of business. Smaller stores also mean more regular customers who start to recognize you and befriend you if you do your job well.
Svantaggi
Individually owned stores allow for more pettiness and individual management styles to be implemented. There is not a set of rules that every store sticks to, so be careful with your management; try to stay on their good side. Small stores can be gossipy because everyone hears everything. Regular customers are not afraid to tell your manager if they don't agree with how you're doing your job, because with fewer staff members you are more easily recognized.