Running a Store in a Small Town
Owning a little corner store in a small town has been quite an adventure. Unlike a store in the city, we are expected to sell just about everything, from cow medicine, appliances, food and even Brach’s candy. Most people that come into our store for the first time are amazed how we fit everything under our roof, but somehow we do it. In fact, for most people, running a store in a small town is a real challenge.
If you look at the statistics, or just drive around small towns in your area, you will see many stores shut down. There is always the threat that your customers drive off to the city to buy their groceries and supplies, and unless you cater to them, you will go belly up.
We have a group of business owners in the region where my store is located that meet once per month to discuss business strategies, problems and how to retain customers. It is an invaluable resource to have, but sadly our group shrinks just about every year. What we have agreed on is that running a successful business in a small town means catering to the customer, and that has been a mantra that I have stuck with all these years and seems to work. As long as you take care of your customers, they take care of you.
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