Growing Retail Sales, iShop Davie & Small Business Saturday!

Almost $1.2 billion in retail sales are leaking from Davie County every year according to a report by The Retail Coach, a retail recruitment and consulting firm hired by the Davie County Economic Commission to assist with attracting more retailers and retaining existing businesses.

The report was presented to retail business owners, managers, and county leaders during “Grow Your Business Workshops” on October 12th. Retail Coach representative, Maddin McCord, shared a wealth of statistical data including the Retail Trade Areas for each town, a demographic analysis for the county and a Gap Analysis which identifies all the sales leakage  from Davie County. Retail sales leakage is what residents buy in other communities/online.

According to EDC President Terry Bralley, The Retail Coach was hired to help develop and implement a retail sales plan as another way to help grow the future of Davie County. “Specifically, they are working on recruiting more retail, restaurants and entertainment to provide residents more opportunities to buy local. Additionally, The Retail Coach is focused on retaining existing businesses and restaurants in the county and keeping our current shopping centers vibrant while developing new centers.”

“Local shopping is crucial to our continued growth, because the success of local businesses attracts and encourages other entrepreneurs to start local businesses, which leads to more jobs and revenue re-circulating throughout our community,” Bralley said.

The sales leakage analysis results confirmed what the Davie County Chamber of Commerce already knew and has been addressing with its iShop Davie campaign.

“We want residents to think Davie first because every time money is spent out of the county it’s improving someone else’s community, not ours,” said Carolyn McManamy, president of the Davie County Chamber of Commerce.  “We all want to live in a strong and vibrant community and so it makes sense that doing our business in Davie County – like shopping, dining, and getting gas as well as using local landscapers, banks and doctors makes a tremendous impact here.  Simply put – it really matters where we spend our money.”

The Davie County Chamber of Commerce’s “Shop Local” campaign is designed to shine a spotlight on the importance of supporting businesses in Davie County. The iShop Davie tab on the Chamber’s website highlights deals at local businesses or download the app so that you take advantage of local deals on the run.

Find it Quick and Easy – Bookmark Your Davie Chamber Business Directory!
Your Davie Chamber Business Directory is the definitive resource for smart Davie County shoppers.  The directory provides a one stop list of Davie County businesses ready to make your holiday shopping more fun.  Categories make it quick and easy to find what you need.  Retail shopping categories include Shopping and Specialty Retail, Home and Garden, Restaurants, Food and Beverages, Sports and Recreation, Wineries and much more.

Find the Perfect Gifts at Davie County Businesses
This holiday season is an excellent time to begin shopping locally if you don’t already do so.

Avoid the nightmarish crowds and save gas by shopping in Davie County for  Black Friday AND support your own friends and neighbors by shopping Davie County’s wonderfully unique small businesses this Saturday on Small Business Saturday!

Davie County businesses are ready to help you find that perfect gift for everyone on your list, and maybe even a little something special for you as well. Visit their Facebook pages and websites to discover special sales and extended holiday hours.

iShop Davie all Year Long
Davie County businesses need your support all year long. When you choose to purchase goods and services in the community where you live, pay taxes and send your children to school, you are investing in the well- being of your community and creating more jobs, increased revenues and a more prosperous place to live. Think before you spend – check out what’s already here in Davie County.

The Retail Coach analysis reports can be viewed at www.DavieCountyEDC.com.

For more information about shopping locally, contact the Davie County Chamber of Commerce at (336) 751-3304 or email chamber@daviecounty.com.