Main Street shopping has been a popular destination for local businesses for centuries. Rather than have one destination for customers to go to, they have plenty of small businesses to visit and purchase from. To take advantage of this setting, you’ll want to introduce yourself to the already-established businesses around you, attract window shoppers with displays like candy displays, be active in your community, offer consignment opportunities, and hold sidewalk sales to move merchandise.
Introduce Yourself to Already Established Businesses
Main Streets are usually a small community of local business owners and, like any established community; it will take some time to get in good with them. It is worth it however, as the partnership can be extremely beneficial. If you are in good standing with the other businesses, they may be able to carry your flyers or may just give you good word-of-mouth to their customers.
Attract the Window Shopper
The attraction to Main Street areas for a lot of shoppers happens to be window shopping and then going into the shops on a whim. Your window is basically your strongest advertisement, so you’ll want to be able to express exactly what it is your shop offers in that small space in the front of your store. For example, if you own a candy shop, place some candy displays in the window and remind people of their own sweet tooth. Before you know it, they’ll be perusing the rest of the store looking for their favorite candy.
Be a Part of the Community
Main Street areas are usually a center of the community and as such, it’s important that, as a small business owner, you make a presence known at local activities. If, for example, there were a local swap meet or craft fair, it would be a good idea to participate in the event. Even if you were there to just pass out flyers, your presence there could go a long way. You’ll also want to be involved in activities directly related to your market. If you are a local art gallery, you will probably want to be very active in any art festivals that may go on throughout the year.
Offer Consignment Opportunities
Keeping your store stocked can be an expensive part of doing business. If you open up your business to local artisans such as candle makers or seamstresses, you may be able to lighten the load on you while helping out your own community in the process. These specialty craft makers are always looking for a place to get their work seen (and sold), so it can be a great opportunity for you to form a relationship with someone that can supply you with inventory to sell.
Using the Sidewalk Sale to Your Advantage
During the warmer months, having a sidewalk sale is a great opportunity to show off what you have to the customer before they even step foot in the store. Use this opportunity to display things that you are having a tough time selling and offer a good discount on it. If it catches someone’s eye, you may be able to get them into the store to see what else you have to offer.
About the Author: Dexter Brock is a small business owner who enjoys playing the drums and running marathons.
Photo credit: stanisgarage
