Showerthought: A comment at the Chamber event made me see our local business scene differently

I was at the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce lunch last week and overheard someone say, 'We're not competing with each other, we're competing with the idea that people should shop online.' It was a simple line but it stuck with me. I realized I spend more time worrying about the coffee shop down the street than I do about big websites. It made me want to connect with other owners to share ideas on keeping dollars local. How are other small shops here working together instead of just side by side?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_hayden13d ago

The hardware store example is actually from a town in Ontario.

stellaa6913d ago

That comment at the Chamber really hits home. It reminds me of a hardware store owner I know who started sending customers to the little paint shop next door when he was out of something. The paint shop started doing the same for him. They both say it built more good will than any ad. Maybe that kind of simple back and forth is a place to start.

faith_carter3d ago

But what if that paint shop starts selling hardware too? That good will turns into giving your competition free customers.