A local business revolution is coming – and it’s starting in Austin!Local retail is, always has been and will be the backbone of a vibrant, connected and prosperous community. Over 2 trillion dollars are spent via retail outlets every year – and most of that is in stores, not online! In fact, online retail is less than 5% of all retail sales according to the US Census. Yet, there are very few avenues for all of the physical local retailers to promote specific inventory and bars and restaurants to promote specials to a broad audience that is not expensive and time consuming
We could go on about the difficulties in local retail in this economy – but we don’t need to. Just open any newspaper (those that are still printing) or website and you will see the news – stores closing, margins dropping, 8.6 million square feet of retail space closed just in Q1 2009. However, we all know that in tough times opportunities exist. New businesses are opening, many are flourishing, service, a handshake and conscious consuming is coming back. All this spells opportunity and hope for local businesses and those that can bring about this local retail revolution.
Here at Austin.com we are glad to be a part of this retail renaissance as it may be, and to also let you know about a new technology start-up that is going to drive this local business revolution. Austin is about local business and technology. This new venture brings both of these together like never before. What is this great retail, techno-geek hope we speak of?
Introducing wantANDfound.com – a free, easy-to-use, listing service to promote local specials and services online, on social networks, mobile phones and with an integrated local shopping map. A few unique features of this online service:
• List in one place and spread to many (web, Facebook and mobile) – you don’t need to worry about managing a bunch of social media outlets
• Reach new customers around you that are out and ready to buy – you are not limited to your email marketing list or paying for expensive online ads
This is it! Exactly what local businesses need. How can it be used?
o Got stuff in the back with no room on the floor – post it
o Open-box items or 1 shirt that is hidden on back rack – post it
o 4pm cancelled at 2pm – post a discount for that time slot
o Juice going bad in 2 days – post it now before you get $0
wantANDfound.com is making the entire local retail ecosystem more efficient – benefiting businesses and consumers at the same time – a rare thing, but exactly what local retail and Austin.com is all about. We will be launching wantANDfound.com on our site in the coming days. Stay tuned!
