Independent shops, the long-awaited rebound finally arrived? 

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Are independent businesses finally taking their revenge on the chains? 2022 seems to be their year, bringing hope and opportunities to seize. 2020 has not been the best year for merchants, hit hard by the pandemic and successive restrictions. Lockdowns, gauges, curfews have not been to their advantage. Nevertheless, faced with these restrictions, businesses have adapted, betting on new channels, such as digital to sell their products. Other trends have emerged, suggesting good prospects for progress for the self-employed…

Renewed interest in independent businesses

Favoring the local, crafts and small shops, is it the envy of current consumers? It would seem that 2022 is the sign of awareness and the choice of proximity. Although digital has made its place in consumer habits, especially with the confinement effect… Consumers continue to appreciate local shops.

By going to a point of sale, the customer can see the products, handle them; but also benefit from the advice of sellers to choose the best. Something that is not possible on the Internet, rather vector of comparison and fast purchase. As a result, customers are abandoning large chains, finding them more easily online, and are moving closer to independent businesses.

The pandemic has not spared businesses, whether chain or independent. However, chains rely on the strength of their network, and are entitled to more aid, which is more complex for independent businesses, which do not have this possibility. Customers are sensitive to this situation, and are getting closer to their local shops. This was already the case with local producers of fruits, vegetables and meats, especially with the farmer drive.

Fleuriste commerce reprise commande
With the support of platforms, merchants resume their activity.

The emergence of platforms that support independence

To support independent businesses, many platforms have emerged during the pandemic. Platforms like Ankorstore, which showcase independent businesses via an online marketplace. This gives more visibility, without causing too much expense. Indeed, creating your own website requires significant costs, which independent businesses are not willing to provide.

They encounter blocking points that stores belonging to chains such as cash or inventory management do not have. Also, the platforms use methods that highlight these businesses and provide them with help to bounce back. This involves, for example, a minimum amount of orders on purchases made online, or the possibility of finding independent shops close to home. This makes life easier for consumers, while giving more visibility to convenience stores.

Through this operation, traders have more opportunities to bounce back, which helps them get through the pandemic. If Covid-19 has disrupted the functioning of many sectors of activity, it has also given rise to new opportunities…

Sources:

2022: the year of revenge for independent traders in Nouvelle-Aquitaine with Ankorstore. Press release published on January 10, 2022

Ankorstore

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