Discount Records assistant manager Bob Matros says the large music store chains that have opened in the Square have hurt his business as well.

"We were the first [record] store here," Matros says. "[Since then] the competition has just piled up: Tower, HMV, Newbury. It's put a chokehold on us."

Many small business owners, acknowledging their self-interest in the issue, also argue that chain stores have changed the overall atmosphere of the Square.

"The smaller, unique stores add to the character and community of the Square. The bigger chains make it more sterile," says Newbury Comics manager Valerie Forgioni.

No More Room for Alternativism

Twenty years ago, the Square had a distinctive alternative atmosphere, with the presence of many street performers, punk rockers, and left-wing student activists. As the University and the surrounding community have become more apolitical in the last decade, many area residents say that the proliferation of trendy, yuppie stores in the Square has contributed to the loss of the "leftist" atmosphere.

"Most of the things that people identified with the Square have become marginalized," says Daniel Fernate, an employee at Eyeland on Mt. Auburn St. "The Square had much more of a Bohemian reputation."

Ferante, who grew up in nearby Lexington, says he used to come into the Square frequently when he was growing up, but now "would not come here without a particular purpose."

"There are still a few-cafes that are fun to go to, but they are few and far between and they're are all so crowded," Ferante adds.

Mookhiruntara says he, too, has noticed a drastic change in the Square's atmosphere since he used to hang out there during the 1970's.

"I've been coming into the Square for 25 years and it used to be more active," Mookhiruntara says. "Back when I was in college, I'd come in every weekend. I don't think I would come in here every weekend anymore, maybe once or twice but not every weekend."

Since the Square has become more homogenized in the recent years, local residents who want an alternative atmosphere visit other area locales, Ferante adds.

"There is nothing to perpetuate the Bohemian character here anymore," Ferante says. "Places like Central Square and Somerville will be known for that."

Even as recently as seven years ago, when Gabai opened Le Foot Sportif, the Square had a more eccentric feel to it.

"It's changed. We moved from the record to the CD-ROM age and you can tell," Gabai says. "It was a hippie crowd back then and now the crowd is still funky, but more sophisticated."