By definition, Mom & Pop stores are small, independently owned and operated businesses in a single location. At one time Mom & Pop stores reigned supreme and mega-stores were almost nonexistent. But a lot has changed over the last 40 years. Wal-Mart now wears the crown for mega-stores and rules over many shoppers. Of course, the lower costs on volume purchasing power has resulted in a decline in Mom & Pop stores across the world.
Interesting fact: Wal-Mart in the very beginning was a Mom & Pop nickel & dime store.
Fortunately, there has been a more conscious effort by many shoppers in the last 5-10 years to embrace Mom & Pop stores. There are two days a year to create awareness and get people shopping locally. The first is “Small business Saturday” which falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And the second is “National Mom and Pop Business Owner Day” which falls on March 29th.
Interesting fact: Nokia was founded in 1865 making leather footwear (galoshes).
There are lots of good reasons to shop at a Mom & Pop business.
- You boost the local economy. For every $1 spent at small/medium business $.63 stays in the local economy, while only $.40 stays when you shop at larger businesses
- You are helping the environment. Since it is local, you can walk or drive a shorter distance. Also, you are less likely to buy items that are out of season, meaning they didn’t need to be transported from halfway across the world.
- You can buy unique or specialty items. Shops are more likely to stock items made locally, enjoyed by the local culture and unavailable elsewhere. Who doesn’t like a “one of kind” gift?
- You are able to preserve your community’s personality. Each of one these “one of kind” stores gives your community character and makes it distinct from other communities.
- You will receive better and more personal customer care. All businesses survive on repeat customers, but without the advertising budget of box stores, Mom and Pop businesses thrive on reputation and word-of-mouth…meaning they value you not only as a customer but also as their neighbour.
You might find it surprising that non-profit organizations, schools, and community events receive on average 250% more support from small/medium size businesses then they do from large chain stores. These are just a few of the many reasons to shop locally.
Interesting fact: Lipton starts as a regular grocery store in Glasgow, Scotland in 1871.
Small businesses make a big impact
On-Hold Marketing is very proud to say that we still consider ourselves a Mom & Pop business. The company started back in 1987 as most small companies do…in the basement of the owner’s house. We’re still located in the north part of Toronto, and even though we now have our studio in-house (in a state-of-the-art facility), a large staff of professionals and service thousands of businesses across North America, our goal is to continue to treat our customers like neighbours. A good percentage of our clients are considered small/medium-size businesses. We are delighted to help these businesses grow their profit with our on-hold service.
Check out our article about our Custom Business Audio Solutions.
“Behind every small business, there’s a story worth knowing. All the corner shops in our towns and cities, the restaurants, cleaners, gyms, hair salons, hardware stores – these didn’t come out of nowhere.” – Paul Ryan