Old-Time Small Businesses Make a Comeback

It seems that the economy is on the cusp of a major change from big retail to small “Main Street” shops once again, and this change could bring some interesting benefits for everyone involved!

Back in the days when our parents and grandparents were growing up, they enjoyed a daily visit from the milkman. Once refrigerators became a household appliance however, this job ceased to exist.

But in a way, with the internet and a major push for delivery service, the days of the milkman may be coming back.

Not only are groceries changing; doctors are also beginning to offer house calls again which was seen quite frequently just a few decades ago. And with everyone having such a hectic schedule today, and many hospitals operating in a very inefficient manner, it’s a wonder this service ever went away to begin with.

Good Ol’ Ma & Pa Stores

Thanks to technology, all of those Ma and Pa shops that once lined the streets seem to be coming back in a slightly different form. Digital marketing is becoming easier and much more accessible for anyone to effectively compete on some level with large retailers.

• Platforms like Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress provide a very broad national audience, if not global.
• PayPal and Square offer simple and affordable payment options.
• Perhaps more importantly, the flexible financing now accessible for small businesses makes taking your business to the next level very possible.

Goodbye to Traditional Retailers

This recent interest in creating small businesses, especially utilizing Amazon, has been a significant factor in major traditional retailers closing stores across the country. JC Penney, Macy’s, Sears, and Kmart have closed over 375 stores to “future-proof” themselves. Most recently, and most abruptly, Bon-Ton has declared a full bankruptcy and is going through a very rapid liquidation. That alone accounts for over 250 stores closing in 23 states.

A Move to Freelancing

Freelancing has become over 30% of the workforce and is expected to continue increasing to over 40% in just the next two years. Millennials especially are very open to this way of earning a living.

Having something to call your own, with little to no overhead, and doing exactly what you want to do, there really is no better way to have your own business currently. Not only that, this way of conducting business allows a more human and personal connection between you and your customers, which customers are looking for.

If your small business is ready to take it to the next level, contact WCM to see if you’re eligible for financing your next move towards great success!