Why in-store shopping when it can be delivered? Here’s why…

In a world where e-commerce dominates, many small businesses with brick and mortar stores, pop-up stores, and [seasonal] market stalls are struggling to keep up. With the convenience of online shopping and the vast selection of products available, it can be challenging for small businesses to compete. However, at LocalOn Corp, the company behind where.a.bouts, we have developed a solution that aims to drive foot traffic and increase in-store/in-person sales for small businesses just like yours.

As founders of our own small businesses, we noticed a trend of other small businesses struggling to survive due to the rise of e-commerce more so during the ‘bug’ 🦠years. We recognized that small businesses offer unique products and personalized services that online shopping cannot replicate. We also saw that as much as there was a huge push for businesses to ‘pivot’, it was not so easy for many small businesses who had built their businesses around in-store shopping. We wanted to develop a solution that would enable all these small businesses to hop on to this digital wave in a quick, easy and cost effective way so they could continue to thrive. It soon became clear as we spoke to small business owners, that there are also many social-media-home-based small businesses that also needed a solution to attract customers to their temporary outlets (pop-ups and markets).

This is where the concept of the mobile app, where.a.bouts, began. The app is designed to connect consumers (Shoppers) with local small businesses (Shop Owners) in their area, encouraging them to shop in-store rather than online. By driving foot traffic to pop-up stores, markets and brick and mortar stores, where.a.bouts aims to help your small businesses increase sales and grow your customer base.

One of the primary reasons why we developed where.a.bouts was to support small businesses by providing a solution that is easy to use, cost effective and would get you the customer you really need for your outlet: in-person buyer. With where.a.bouts you can say good-bye to annoying platform/marketplace fees, shipping headaches, and the confusing world of online inventory management – because where.a.bouts is not your typical marketplace. It’s like a breath of fresh air for Shoppers and Shop Owners (small businesses); it’s NOT SOCIAL MEDIA! We didn’t want to create just another app; but a game-changer. whereabouts is about making the whole buying and selling process easy and stress-free for small business owners who often do not have the capacity to deal with complication e-commerce.

In addition to supporting small businesses, where.a.bouts also has sustainable benefits – or rather in-store shopping does. One of the environmental impacts of online shopping is the carbon footprint associated with shipping products to consumers. By encouraging in-store shopping, where.a.bouts can help reduce the carbon footprint associated with shipping and packaging products. In-store shopping can help reduce packaging waste. When consumers shop in-store, they can bring their reusable bags and packaging, thereby reducing the amount of packaging waste generated. This, in turn, can help reduce the environmental impact of disposing of packaging waste. There’s even the added benefit of reducing the energy consumption associated with online shopping, such as powering servers and data centres. So by re-engaging in in-store shopping, using where.a.bouts, we can help create a more sustainable and resilient local economy.

We are excited about the positive impact that whereabouts is having and will continue to have on small businesses and local economies. As founders, we are committed to ensuring that we provide a good solution that supports the goals of small businesses. If you have not downloaded where.a.bouts already, what are you waiting for. Whether you are a small business owner or a small business supporter, whereabouts was designed for you!

Download the app here – https://bit.ly/423v84Q

Benefits of a having an occasional pop-up store for your home-based product business

For small home-based product businesses, the idea of opening a brick-and-mortar store can seem daunting and expensive. However, there is an alternative that can provide many of the benefits of a physical store without the long-term commitment: a pop-up store. Pop-up stores are temporary retail spaces that allow businesses to sell their products in a physical setting for a limited period of time. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of having an occasional pop-up store for a home-based product business.

1. Increased Exposure One of the most significant benefits of a pop-up store is increased exposure. A pop-up store allows you to reach new customers and introduce them to your brand in a physical setting. This type of exposure can be especially beneficial for home-based product businesses that may not have a physical presence in their community. Pop-up stores allow you to showcase your products and connect with customers in a way that may not be possible online.
2. Real-Time Feedback Another benefit of a pop-up store is the opportunity to get real-time feedback from customers. Interacting with customers in person can provide valuable insights into what they like about your products and what could be improved. This type of feedback can help you refine your products and make improvements based on what your customers are saying.
3. Testing New Markets A pop-up store can also be a great way to test new markets. If you’re thinking about expanding your business to a new location or market, a pop-up store can help you gauge customer interest and test the waters before committing to a permanent location. This can save you time and money in the long run by allowing you to explore new markets without making a significant investment upfront.
4. Creating a Sense of Urgency Another benefit of a pop-up store is creating a sense of urgency among your customers. Because pop-up stores are temporary, they create a sense of exclusivity and urgency that can drive sales. This can be especially effective if you’re offering limited-time discounts or promotions that are only available in-store. This type of promotion can help you create a buzz around your brand and encourage customers to make a purchase.
5. Building Brand Awareness Finally, a pop-up store can be an excellent way to build brand awareness. By creating a physical presence for your brand, you can increase brand recognition and create a lasting impression on your customers. Even if customers don’t make a purchase during their visit, they may remember your brand and be more likely to purchase from you in the future.

In conclusion, a pop-up store can be a fantastic way for home-based product businesses to increase exposure, get real-time feedback, test new markets, create a sense of urgency, and build brand awareness. By providing a physical presence for your brand, you can connect with customers in a way that may not be possible online and create a lasting impression that can drive sales and increase customer loyalty. So, if you’re looking to take your home-based product business to the next level, consider opening a pop-up store – it may be just the boost your business needs!

At some point, the future of brick and mortar small businesses was uncertain, largely because of tough economic conditions, technological advancements, and consumer behaviour.

On one hand, the rise of e-commerce and online shopping has made it easier for consumers to purchase products from the comfort of their own homes, which has had a negative impact on many brick and mortar small businesses. However, there are still many people who prefer the personal touch and tactile experience of shopping in physical stores, and small businesses that can provide unique, personalized experiences are likely to continue to thrive.

How B&M small businesses will win!

Adopting Technology – To compete with online retailers, small brick and mortar businesses will need to adapt by incorporating technology into their operations. This can include implementing online ordering and payment systems, leveraging social media and other digital marketing tools to reach customers, and using data and analytics to better understand consumer behaviour. Of course it’s not always so easy to incorporate and, more importantly, to use effectively as it sounds when small businesses are usually short on staff and limited in funds. Small businesses are going to have to be vigilante about the technologies they adopt, considering their limited resources. Easy to use and cost effective will be important factors to consider.

Re-engaging local Customers – Every B&M businesses first customer, is the local customer. Small businesses have to invest in re-engaging with the local community to get those customers into their stores. With digital platforms such as Google and Social Media, being so competitive and expensive to advertise on, small businesses need to find alternative channels to connect with their local customer. Investing in smart technology that brings customers through the door, offering exclusive in-store deals or hosting in-store events are some tactics to get the attention of local customers.

Sustainability – The trend towards local and sustainable products and services may also benefit small brick and mortar businesses. As consumers become more conscious of the impact their purchasing decisions have on the environment and local communities, they may be more likely to shop at locally-owned stores. Cutting out shipping helps reduce waste from packaging, returns. Also reducing deliveries means reducing carbon emissions, making shopping local and in-store the sustainable option.

In conclusion, the future of small brick and mortar businesses is complex and multifaceted, but those that are able to find the right tools, adapt and provide unique, personalized experiences are likely to have a better chance of success.