Local Retailers Battle E-tailers

[JC]

CHATTANOOGA (WRCB) -- Terri Holley has kept Embellish, a shoe boutique in Downtown Chattanooga's Warehouse Row, on firm footing for six years.

A tough walk in a business in which 'well-heeled often means three inches or higher.

"I'm all about taking care of my individual customers," she says. "But I want a level playing field."

On-line competition has made the perch more precarious.

"I do have women come into my store, where my staff and I will spend the time, work with the women, help them decide style, fit, but they'll buy it online from Zappos," she laments.

www.wrcbtv.com/story/16611376/retailers-sales-tax-battle-with-e-tailers-now-has-a-face-and-a-foot

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Well, how about offering competitive prices to level that playing field.
Every other small business in the area has adjusted their prices to become competitive with online retailers, not sure why this shoe store can't.

[Bob]

competitive to who?

If you go to a store and use the clerk's time and then buy the item online because its cheaper, you're only hurting yourself because that store will not be there long.

If you value trying on the shoe or touching the item, it should be worth that much more to buy it from the local vendor.
(who might use your money to buy girl scout cookies from your daughter, or benefit you in some other way by keeping your money local.)

[ssmynkint]

The market is always right.

[JC]

Jan 27, 2012 0:10:55 GMT -5 Bob said:

competitive to who?

If you go to a store and use the clerk's time and then buy the item online because its cheaper, you're only hurting yourself because that store will not be there long.

If you value trying on the shoe or touching the item, it should be worth that much more to buy it from the local vendor.
(who might use your money to buy girl scout cookies from your daughter, or benefit you in some other way by keeping your money local.)

Competitive with their competition.
Great service is not enough to demand premium pricing.... as this shoe store is learning.

This woman is demanding legislation so she can continue charging high prices. Instead, she should be adjusting her prices to accommodate local demand and competition.


And for what it's worth, I shop local as much as possible.