A new Australian classifieds website called Shops to Share is soon to be launched in the USA and Canada which is aimed at anyone who wants to share store space.
In order to make the website known to the people who need it most, the website’s founder, Wendy Jackson has decided to launch a crowd funding called 'Help Save The Retail' through Indiegogo to raise funds for the marketing, promotion and further development of ShopsToShare
The Shops to Share concept was formed as a result of demand for an online platform where those who have an unused area of retail space and those who want it can easily find each other. It is a dedicated retailers’ classifieds site that accommodates all types of retailers and merchants – bricks and mortar store owners, online etailers, website owners, mumpreneurs, market stallers and any kind of retailer who is looking to share store or website space. The site enables store owners to advertise their types of available spaces, location and contact details. It also allows space seekers to advertise their products or service and their interest in sharing shop space. The site is formed around the idea that shop sharing can come in many different shapes and sizes. According to Jackson “It really depends on the people and products involved.”
Store owners are locked into long leases, high overheads and high risk. At the same time, there is a significant increase in the growth of home-based retailers who are trying to supplement their income by selling their products online and at open-air-markets. These people have additional challenges like unpredictable weather affecting their days trading and a sea of online offerings to compete with. For these reasons, Pop-up stores are also becoming popular as designers and artisans seek real-life exposure for their products.
Shops to Share claims to offer a more communal, sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for shop owners and home-based business owners alike. A lighter carbon footprint resulting from multiple businesses operating out of one store provides a convincing environmental benefit and is a cost-effective solution to high business overheads.
Shop owners may have many different types of space available in their store. These could be anything from back room space, courtyard or window space, to floor, wall, counter top space and many more. Commercial kitchens are not used 24 hours a day, but perhaps they could be if different businesses wanted to use the facility in shifts. These are just a few examples from the team at Shops to Share but the opportunities are endless. For example, a women's clothing store that also offers bath products, jewellery, and a cafe in the back courtyard, where you can pick up a bunch of fresh flowers on your way out. That's 5 different business operating out of one store, all sharing the costs and overheads.
According to Jackson this interdependent concept is a much more sustainable, long-term plan for the future of bricks and mortar retail than each business trying to go it alone. In order to survive, small retailers will have to evolve and embrace new ideas to remain competitive in the market.
Indeed, there is a strong sense of community that radiates through this website.
If you would like to contribute to this campaign, click herehttp://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-save-small-retail .
This concept could be a real game-changer. Watch this space.
Company Name: ShopsToShare
Contact Person: Wendy Jackson
Email:Send Email
Country: United States
Website: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-save-small-retail
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