One Young (née Mayfair Hotel) | 5 fl | Complete

[plam]

But unfortunately the chains are also the ones that drive leasing costs up are and then small independent retailers (and residents) are forced to leave. Can't win!

Is this because landlords know chains can pay more over a longer term?

I've heard that chains do tend to pay more and are more stable, which has a crowding-out effect that is quite unfortunate. So landlords would rationally hold out for higher rents than they can get from the chains. Then not only is your place full of chains but it's also not-full of local businesses.