Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Small Business competing against GIANTS!

I have clients both large and small; however, all of my clients are friends in the business and Independent Business Owners. As the mentality of large chains and big business creeps into every aspect of our community, I share the pain of being a little guy competing against the giants. ... (Taken from a message sent by the owner of Java Guru Coffee House in Castle Rock.)

“Just wanted to see if I could get some feedback from you all regarding small business in your town? I would be a complete fibber if I told you that the new Starbucks drive through has not affected our business. I have waived and smiled at many of our regulars as they leave the new store or wait 6 or 7 SUV's deep at the drive through. I am curious as to what the mentality of our residents is when it comes to the coffee phenomenon? We at the guru serve higher quality products, naturally sweetened, pure chai and hormone free milk. We craft our drinks by hand and try and give an alternative atmosphere for our clients.”

“Java Guru has live music, great food and lots of room to create. Can our city support now 6 Starbucks and another one planned on Wilcox or Perry? Is being exactly the same really what we are all about as we race faster and faster to being so generic, big box and “Highlands Ranch” that we forget we need soul?”

“I am troubled, because I like to play well with others and as I returned home on an airplane Saturday I sat across from a Area Manager for the $-bucks corp. I asked why so many stores in Castle Rock, and the reply was there was still room since there were still two strong independents still in business in town that would need to be moved out. I said, so it is your business plan to displace independent shops, to which the answer was no it is not our direct intention it just happens when we move into a highly indoctrinated demographic. So that is what you have become Castle Rock, a highly indoctrinated demographic and funny all this time I have regarded you as free thinking independent and delightful humans, please let us independent types that have not been "indoctrinated" to rescue and serve you.”

The battle --- local independent small business vs big-box large corporate? What are your thoughts? We would like to know!!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Starbuck's is in your town and they have NO intention of leaving anytime soon. As the regional manager indicated, they have a plan of attack. What's yours? First, you mentioned cars, 6-7 deep, in their drive-thru. Do you have a drive-thru? Is that important to your customers? You need to find out what is important to your customers and what isn't important. Maybe they don't love the same things about your store as you do.

Bottom line--with a behemoth like Starbuck's, you are now in the fight for your small business life. Either prepare yourself to do whatever it takes to win, or close up shop now.

Good luck,

Brian

:: E-FoodDude said...

Brian24 - Thanks for your comment! Yes, you are right small business (especially restaurant business) are in for the fight of their lives!

Each of us depends on loyal guests, such as yourself, who support local business.

Anonymous said...

I try to supoort small businesses whenever possible!

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