What Those most likely to oppose the opening of department stores in urban areas were?

Those most likely to oppose the opening of department stores in urban areas were often small business owners and local merchants, who feared that large department stores would undermine their sales and drive them out of business. Community activists and some residents might also have expressed concerns about the impact on local economies, job loss, and the potential for increased traffic and changes in neighborhood character. Additionally, some labor groups could have opposed department stores due to concerns over working conditions and wages.