Revisiting the General Store Concept

A focal point of many small, rural towns has long been the local general store: a place for supplies, groceries, a cup of coffee and a gathering place for local residents. Over time many of these businesses have had to close their doors due to a number of factors including increased competition with large, regional, retail giants. In some cases the lack of a general store gathering place has contributed to a decline in the quality of life for many small communities. This has lead some residents and entrepreneurs to work on reviving their local general store. This issue examines the role that general stores play in enhancing the quality of life in small rural communities.

Downtowns in Small Communities that Celebrate Ethnic Heritage

Some small towns, especially in the Midwest, focus on their ethnic heritage as a way to attract visitors to their downtowns. A study comparing seven small communities provides insight into recent trends and strategies impacting ethnic heritage tourism is summarized in this article.
~Thumbnail from Taste of Japan (Madison, WI) by Jeff Miller of UW Madison

Restaurant Failures – Factors Linked to Business Closings

To help existing and prospective restaurant operators and guide the development of the downtown dining and entertainment sector, it is important to understand why restaurants fail. An article in the Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, “Why Restaurants Fail” (Parsa et al.)* examines research on why restaurants go out of business. Information from this article, including failure rates and factors linked to those business closings, are summarized here.

Role of Cooperatives in Community Economic Development

Community economic development (CED) practitioners have many tools in their toolbox. Cooperatives are another tool to address complex rural and urban needs Cooperatives can help retain or recapture community control of development by mobilizing multiple residents. Cooperatives are a means to obtain a “critical mass” of local resources and provide community goods and services. Cooperatives also build democratic leadership grounded in the local community and distribut profits equitably among members.

Capturing Sales from Recreational Homeowners

In many rural communities, non-resident recreational homeowners have emerged as an important market segment for local businesses. Recreational homes make up a large share of the total housing units in rural “amenity-rich” regions. Many of these seasonal residents are affluent and from out-of-state, bringing in significant spending potential. While most use their recreational homes during the summer, some use their properties at various other times throughout the year. Purchasing behavior of recreational homeowners varies geographically and demographically. This article summarizes the results from a recent study of spending conducted in Sawyer County, Wisconsin that provides information on its impact on local businesses.

Year-Round Marketing in Tourism Communities

Retail and service businesses in communities with a significant tourism economy face the challenge of developing marketing plans that change with the seasons. Businesses find customer expectations for product availability and price often change with the seasons. This article explains how, to support an effective marketing plan and increase business sales year-round, communities need to work on two fronts: establishing a cohesive community image, and building a comprehensive customer profile

The Downtown Coffee House Business

According to the National Coffee Association, Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee per day, making the United States the leading consumer of coffee in the world. Seventy-seven percent of adults in the country drink coffee on a daily basis; with average consumption among those adults being three cups per day. This issue of Downtown Economics examines the growing market for downtown coffee houses

Ten Global Trends Affecting Downtowns

Profound changes are occurring across the globe, and it is often difficult to understand and translate these changes on the local level. Progressive Urban Management Associates compiled and analyzed research to assist downtowns and communities better anticipate and respond to global change. This article presents ten major trends affecting American downtowns were identified in order to provide perspective and discussion in considering these forces in local decisions.

Ten Realistic Retail Themes for a Vibrant Downtown

Based on market analysis findings from many communities, coupled with business examples being submitted to the University of Wisconsin- Extensin’s Innovative Downtown Business online clearinghouse, ten broad catgories of retail are emerging as “good fits” for downtown. These can include both chains and independents and should be considered when a community develops its business expansion and recruitment wish list.

Creating a Vibrant (and Realistic) Retail Mix

Small city downtowns no longer have the traditional department stores that once anchored “main street.” Long gone are the days when downtown was the one-stop shopping center for the community. Further, in today’s competitive retail market, many chains continue to bypass downtown in their site selection efforts. Yet too often there is a disconnect between the types of retail local residents want downtown and what is realistic. Often small city downtowns are “stuck in a rut” in their recruitment efforts. So what types of retailers are truly bringing people back down to “main street” and how can a community develop a realistic business expansion and recruitment plan? This article answers these questions through a comprehensive market analysis and in the innovative business ideas that are actually operating in other downtowns.