If you’re a regular reader of our blogs, you’ll notice that we constantly champion one topic – small business success. It’s our goal to foster an environment that empowers small businesses and entrepreneurs. This week is National Small Business Week, and we’re going to highlight why it’s important to shop local.
Fine out how the Alamo Economic Development Corporation (EDC) aims to foster an environment for business growth and success.
What is National Small Business Week?
National Small Business Week is a national event that recognizes and honors the country’s top entrepreneurs. The U.S. Small Business Administration sponsors and cohosts the event to a distinguished group of small businesses. Since it’s founding in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration has assisted small businesses with loans and counseling sessions.
Shopping Local
We know it’s easy to get distracted by big flashy shopping malls and buying centers across the Rio Grande Valley. Customers, for the most part, always assume pricing will be higher at their local food market versus a retail grocery store. Local pharmacies are also sometimes overlooked compared to the likes of CVS and Walgreens. In overlooking local businesses, customers are giving up some of the perks that small businesses offer, like more focused customer care practices and easier inventory lookup.
The Entrepreneurial Kindred Spirit
The City of Alamo has a small business kindred spirit looming at every shopping corner. Small business owners have an enormous task to tackle every day. They contribute hard labor and daunting hours to make their business run efficiently and stay afloat.
Entrepreneurs in Alamo offer that great local customer service charm along with exceptional services and unique products. Plus, whenever you shop local, you’ll be giving a deserved boost to Alamo’s economy. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you should shop local.
Vendors Offer Discounts
While you might have heard otherwise, big retail stores do not control the pricing of the products they carry. For example, companies like Apple, Sony and Nike, through vendors, offer a guideline to stores on what their products’ pricing should be. This is known as the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). If those products, for some reason, seem unpopular with customers, then there is usually an exception on lowering the price to move inventory.
Small businesses also offer discounted items at their discretion. They don’t have to wait around for a special promotion to adjust prices. They can do so whenever they wish, which is why you never know what great discounts you’ll find if you shop at a small business.
Always in Stock
Remember walking into a big retail store and being anxious for your purchase, only to find they were out of stock? It happens to all of us and will probably continue happening with many retail giants. Yet, smaller businesses have the same access as large stores. Remember, smaller stores will always go above and beyond to keep customers satisfied and happy. This guarantees their satisfaction and retention.
A Red Carpet for Customers
Strong customer service is one of the most important business tenants for entrepreneurs. Many times you’ll find the owner behind the register arranging merchandise or any of the other intricacies that comes with owning a small business. He/she will always be available to help.
Another perk is that small businesses are more willing to offer flexible solutions for various situations. For example, returning an item is easy and can be completed much faster. Small businesses will often roll out the red carpet if need be – as opposed to big retail stores – when it comes to tending to a customer’s needs.
Variety is the Spice of Life
Some of our unique and favorite possessions are items we find in smaller stores. Sure, big stores offer popular products, but most of the time, it’s the same product with very little variety. When you walk into a small business, you never know what to expect or what you’ll walk out with. Inventory options are always diverse and unique.
Community Responsibility
Go to any local charity event and you’re more than likely to run into small local business owners. They typically support local causes while offering social relationships with community leaders, schools, neighbors, residents and other entrepreneurs. They have an invested interest to keep the community vibrant and growing. At the Alamo EDC, we know that the value of our local economy is extremely important.
Register with the EDC
We offer small businesses, established businesses and entrepreneurs the opportunity to grow and work together to improve the local economy while, at the same time, grow their business. The Alamo EDC focuses on sustaining economic growth by providing business development and finance options. We encourage you to register your small business (commercial or retail) with us to get the process started immediately.
Work with Alamo
When it comes to our community, we’re always looking for ways to empower and push any limits small businesses in Alamo may face. The Alamo EDC is working hard to ensure that businesses have the platform to succeed. Whether it’s through festivals, workshops or conferences, we provide the groundwork to foster an economic environment of learning and growth. Reach out to us to learn more about what we can do for you.