The true independent retailer, the mom and pop shop, the locally owned store have all become dinosaurs. Slowly but surely, major corporations are taking over Main Street, buying out struggling establishments and replacing them with satellites. While not necessarily all bad, it is is important to support the remaining locally owned businesses. This week is Independent Retailers Week, an annual call to consumers to look to their local shops first, funneling much needed revenue to small businesses. Traditionally, the decision to shop in big box stores was based upon price and value, a result of purchasing power. With the cost of logistics and operation costs catching up to the larger companies, the divide between the big and small retailers is becoming less of an issue, pushing the differentiation to service. This is where smaller retailers hold an edge. Local businesses are more likely to know the needs and even the names of their customers, tipping the scales into their favor.
During Independent Retailers Week, community leaders can help foster a spirit of "shop local" for the long term by setting up networking meetings that connect small retailers with local marketing offices. A sharing of ideas can result in collaborative relationships that can benefit all. Tips on how to best use promotional products and advertise can be exchanged for knowledge of how to reach small business owners and what the independent retailer market needs. These networking groups can last beyond the week long event, resulting in improved performance throughout the year.
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