Helping Hands for Local Retailers

May 14, 2009•Blog Posts•General Marketing• by author

Scott M.

These days, local retailers have been struggling to make their ends meet among America’s dominating corporations, who are able to lower prices on a whim in order to blow their competition out of the water. Thankfully, there are a number of organizations designed specifically for local retailers that can help the “Moms and Pops” of the industry avoid hitting rock-bottom. SMS has researched a few of these organizations, as follows:

Retail Merchants Association

The Retail Merchants Association is a statewide trade association designed to assist and represent local retailers and to promote them through networking and information seminars. This association also offers professional development programs, legislative representation, economic development efforts, retail industry promotion and discounted business services.

From defeating potentially detrimental legislation to fighting to save retailers money, the Retail Merchants Association has worked for many years to represent retailers and get them the best treatment from the government as possible. So whichever state your business is in, consider the RMA to help keep you ahead of the game.

Chambers of Commerce

Every community has its own Chamber of Commerce, which is an organization designed to support local businesses and promote the economy. What’s interesting about Chambers of Commerce is that their members are comprised of local businesses, while Board members and directors are chosen by an election process.

The general functions of the Chamber of Commerce are to endorse the community, boost the local economy, speak to government officials on behalf of the members, provide networking opportunities and do whatever they can to get pro-business candidates in government office.

Economic Development Council (EDC)

The EDC is very similar to the Chamber of Commerce in that it is designed to enhance the economy in specific communities and areas where local retailers and businesses are struggling. Local retailers work collectively to develop a way for all businesses to thrive by creating networking opportunities and ensuring proper government representation.

The EDC also helps fuel the local economy by encouraging new investments in the community that can lead to more jobs for the residents. A business can join its local EDC to make use of the benefits they have to offer.

National Association of Retail Marketing Services (NARMS)

NARMS is an organization that educates retailers about marketing techniques, provides networking opportunities and offers useful research through member programs. Members convene on a biyearly basisto share and discuss common issues and possible solutions. The NARMS conference also provides a great networking opportunity for its members. While the NARMS headquarters is located in Wisconsin, they provide services, information and opportunities for retailers all across the country.

Regardless of the type of business or where it is geographically located, there are a variety of groups and organizations that can help “Mom and Pop” stay competitive and survive.