There has been a sea change over the last dozen years regarding retail businesses. Online shopping has greatly increased. During the Covid shutdown, online purchasing skyrocketed. However, many retail industry observers believe it is beneficial to have a brick-and-mortar location along with a strong online presence. As of 2023, online shopping accounted for 63% of consumer spending in the United States, while in-store shopping accounted for 37%. Several years ago a top real estate attorney from Atlanta came to Southwest Louisiana to make recommendations on how we could grow our retail and restaurant market. He was impressed by the number of “strip centers” that were and are still being built. He also was impressed that many of the tenants were what he called “Amazon Proof.” These are businesses that provide goods and services that don’t work online. Fitness centers, hair salons, and restaurants are some examples of businesses that are “Amazon Proof.

So, how can your business compete with the largest online store with products from the biggest brands in the world?

Here are five tips from consultant Kyle Sexton:
1. Offer personalized service: Local businesses have the advantage of offering one-on-one customized services. As a small business, you can focus on customer support to learn more about your clients and customize your services to their needs. Greeting customers by name and following up on big sales also help.

2. Introduce a Loyalty Plan: This is designed to reward repeat customers and a perfect way to get repeat business. Make sure your customers learn about the loyalty program during their first interaction with your business.

3. Increase brand awareness and online presence: To become successful, people need to know about your business. So, it is vital to work on your brand. Set up your website and get on Amazon if your business model aligns. And take advantage of social media marketing. 

4. Market for Mobile: Most people start their searches online through their mobile phones and modern devices. As a local business, you have the advantage of knowing and understanding your immediate customers. You know the right language to use  for marketing and platforms local communities use to access information.

5. Set up your Amazon Business: As a local business you can take advantage of the existing logistics frameworks and reputation to list your products on the platform. Local customers that prefer to shop from Amazon will still be able to find your products and business. However, this requires meeting all Amazon requirements and optimizing your business to appear at the top of both Amazon and Google search results. 

A sixth and important way to market your business and connect with successful regional businesses is to join The Chamber SWLA. You can connect with about 1,200 member businesses right off the bat. The Chamber provides information you need to succeed. 

If competing with Amazon seems too complicated, The Chamber SWLA has several professional marketing and branding firms in our membership to assist you.

If you would like to have additional funding to increase your technology and online presence, apply for the Optimum Business and SWLA Economic Development Alliance “Lifting Up Louisiana Small Businesses” grants. Thirty small businesses will each be awarded $3,000. Requirements are simple: Have a brick-and-mortar location in the Optimum service area, have less than ten full-time employees, and have been in business for more than two years. Get full details and apply by August 16, 2024, by visiting: allianceswla.org and click on the L.L.B. grant button.