Better Together: Real Businesses, Real Talk

As a business, you’re probably not the only business wondering if posting up shop right next to competition or like stores is a good or bad thing. What if there are more customers across the street? But you have fewer customers that are spending more. Should I do joint advertising or events with this business or will it be like putting fire with gasoline? Should I locate my business where a foundation partnership is present? Those answers may vary, but hopefully these words of business owners located in the Cedar Falls Community Main Street District make this decision a little easier.

Location, Location, Location

Just as the golden rule applies, treat your neighboring business the way you would like to be treated. Take a note from Pamela, owner of Taylor Veterinary located on Main Street in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

 

“I have been a downtown business owner for almost 33 years, and if I were starting over again, I wouldn't choose to be anywhere else.  Downtown is a vibrant mix of retail, service, financial and professional businesses, as well as software developers, manufacturers, our Cedar Falls Library, the Oster Regent Theatre and a major Cedar Valley Recreational Trail head.”

Remember that when deciding to locate or relocate, there are opportunities for one-stop-shopping area with a variation of different businesses that offer different items. When customers consider where to shop, you may have a better chance of customers who would not generally stop in if the store they originally went out to visit wasn't right next door. Here’s What’s Poppin also agrees on the fact that their business is driven by their location and presence of neighboring businesses.

“I am very happy with having a business downtown cedar falls. I believe that about 60% of my business is customers that are shopping the entire downtown district. I also love community Main Street and the events they hold. There is usually something once a month that helps me out if I am having a slow month.”

Joint Advertising & Benefits

Not only is location crucial, the benefits of joint advertising seem limitless. This gives businesses to use, borrow and reciprocate the favor of resources. One business may not have the capital or ability to resources to activate a campaign, but may be able to offer a facility, props or connections that are equally as useful. Natalie, owner of the successful Scratch Cupcakery, also located in downtown Cedar Falls, Iowa, agrees.

"The downtown district is an incredibly unique place to position a small business. Community Main Street works hard to incorporate cooperative advertising options, lots of “small town” events, and plenty of input opportunities into the heart of Cedar Falls. As a business owner with stores in other communities, I can say this type of effort and assistance isn't found anywhere else. Our downtown is a vibrant, exciting, ever-changing mass of passionate, artistic, unique people. Businesses support each other, customers are loyal, and many of us were homegrown right here in Cedar Falls!”

Jess from Purse-N-Ality also brags about the support offered by the surrounding businesses. The input of other fellow businesses is what she believes is the overall reason why they are the prosperous and growing business that they are.

"Purse~N~ality has called Downtown Cedar Falls home for nearly 9 years. It is my firm belief that without the support of Community Main Street and our fellow merchants, we would not have become the successful boutique that we are today. With so many shopping and dining options, we all work together to create the perfect destination for residents and visitors alike!"

Thank you to the Cedar Falls Main Street businesses who took time to share their business experience!