Playing With the Big Boys ­­ How to compete with chain stores

Emphasizing Product Uniqueness

One of the key selling points for small businesses is the uniqueness of their products. Customers are often drawn to the idea of purchasing something unique from a smaller, independently owned business. However, they are also accustomed to the wide selection a chain store can offer. Ashley could have highlighted the originality of her stock compared to the generic stock a chain store offers.

Creating a Shopping Experience

Many customers have a comfort zone of buying from stores that have everything. They know what they will find there, which saves them time. However, many people shop because they enjoy it. Always knowing what you will find can become monotonous. Ashley's store offers an element of surprise. Customers won’t receive a catalogue that shows everything they would see if they went to the store.

Building Brand Recognition

Even though Ashley's store may not be on the same economic level as larger chain stores, she should strive to make her business as recognizable as possible. One way to do this is to hire a designer to create a logo that represents your business. Many companies spend millions of dollars making their logo familiar to the public. Another strategy is to include a jingle or an original piece of music in commercial spots, something a viewer can become familiar with.

In conclusion, small businesses can compete with larger chains by emphasizing the uniqueness of their products, creating an enjoyable shopping experience, and building brand recognition. By implementing these strategies, small businesses like Ashley's can thrive in a competitive retail environment. For more insights on small business strategies, check out Forbes and Entrepreneur.