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Category Archives: Blog
Show Mom Some Local Love this Mother’s Day.
May 9th, 2012
As the second-largest holiday for gift-giving, Mother’s Day will find the average American shelling out nearly $153* on mommy-dearest this year, selecting gifts at florists, clothing/accessory shops, personal services {such as spas} and of course at restaurants for an estimated … Continue reading →
“Choosing the Best Social Media.” Christine Erickson – American Express OPEN 5.7.2012
May 8th, 2012
It seems as if a new social platform pops up every week, and as a small business owner, it can feel overwhelming. So how can you establish yourself on social media when users are bouncing from one network to the other, and the next hot network may have no reliable messaging for your business? Continue reading →
Introducing Premium Memberships for Merchants on Independent We Stand
April 30th, 2012
More and more consumers are beginning to understand the importance and strong economic benefits of supporting locally owned businesses. In fact, a recent study showed that a large percentage of consumers would shop at a store that advertises they are … Continue reading →
Merchant Success Story: Nord Power – When the Big-Boxes Aren’t Home, Who Will You Call?
April 24th, 2012
It was 2004 when Twin City Power Equipment went out of business. During this time, Doug Nord was constantly traveling for work and his children were entering high school. Doug decided to make a change, one that would allow him to stay closer to home – he purchased the assets from Twin City Power and opened Nord Outdoor Power. Continue reading →
Guest Blog Post: Roanne Miller – “Indie Outdoors Shops are More Down to Earth!”
April 20th, 2012
Long before the “big boxes” began sprouting up across the country, before the ascension of international brands – there were specialty outdoor stores. They built the industry by serving hard-core niches of outdoorsmen and women cross the country. The growth … Continue reading →
Guest Blog Post: Crystal Vilkaitis – 5 Tips Retailers Can Use to Ensure Success on Facebook and Twitter
April 17th, 2012
If you’re new to social sites like Facebook and Twitter and are trying to understand how to market your store effectively, you are not alone. Thousands of retailers across the country are trying to learn how these tools relate to … Continue reading →
“Family Businesses Learn to Adapt to Keep Thriving” by Adriana Gardella – NY Times 4.4.12
April 10th, 2012
For family-owned businesses, the statistics are daunting. According to the Family Business Institute, only about 30 percent survive beyond the founder’s generation, and just 12 percent make it to a third. For this small-business guide, we talked to the owners of several businesses that have beaten the odds. Continue reading →
Independent We Stand Launches Premium, Ambassador and Co-Op Partner Membership Options
April 9th, 2012
Consumers and business owners are beginning to understand the importance and strong economic benefits of supporting locally owned businesses like yours. With your help, we want to build on the early momentum we’ve established so they understand what is truly … Continue reading →
Hop to Shop Local this Easter
April 3rd, 2012
Estimates from the National Retail Federation indicate the Easter Bunny will spend more than $16.8 billion* filling baskets this year. Independent We Stand is encouraging the bunny to shop in locally-owned candy shops, bakeries and toy stores this year to … Continue reading →
Guest Blog Post: Bob Taylor – Why Buy Local? Because “Independents Do it Best”
April 2nd, 2012
It was 1927 when my grandfather, Robert Taylor, and four of his business partners opened Feed, Fuel and Building Supplies with $1,750 and an old Ford truck between them. The twenties were roaring and even the sleepy little town of … Continue reading →
