Next week's ONE meeting on Wednesday, March 31st at 8:00am will be hosted by Operation Oswego County at 44 W Bridge Street, Oswego. Join us to learn more about this important economic development agency.
I also wanted to let you know about some upcoming educational opportunities:
Have trouble getting organized, staying organized or just getting to it? Completely Organized is holding local free workshops on these topics. Visit www.completelyorganized.com for more information or to sign up for their free newsletter. Class listing below:
Procrastination Strategies and Getting Things Done
Two Part Workshop
Salina Library
100 Belmont St.
Mattydale, NY 13211
March 30, 2010 & April 6, 2010 @ 6:30 PM
Contact Jeannine Chubon @ 454-4524 to register.
Declutter Your Home or Office
Mexico Library
3269 Main St.
Mexico, NY 13114
April 14, 2010 @ 6:00 PM
Contact Kelly Freihofer @ 963-3936 to register.
Organizing the Small Business Owner
Cooperative Federal Credit Union
800 N. Salina St.
Syracuse, NY 13208
April 21, 2010 @ 6:00 PM
Contact Christina Sauve @ 473-0250 to register.
Also, available at the SUNY Oswego Phoenix Center are American Management Association Classes. Classes being held include Skills for Success, Delivering Knock Your Socks Off Customer Service, How to Plan and Manage your Company Budget and more... You can contact the Ed Center at www.oswego.edu/phoenix or call 315-312-3358 for more information.
See you Wednesday!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Consumer Trends
The March 2010 issue of Downtown Idea Echange addressed important trend changes that will be seen in the 2010 Census information. I will share some of their insights here. Trend information helps all businesses prepare and plan for the future.
After the severe downturn of 2008 consumer spending is edging its way back. Although they do expect very slow retail recovery and little or no retail expansion in 2010.
The new Consumer is conservative and looking for the best value - meaning the best quality for the best price. Primary needs will be met first: drug & grocery stores, moderately priced food service, mass merchandisers and online shopping will begin to recover first.
Downtowns can capitalize on the new value-conscious consumer by providing discounts, promotions, perks such as free parking or other valued perks and highlighting the buy-local connection.
Baby Boomers are no longer the spenders - they are now saving for retirement. Their spending will be concentrated in casual dining, specialty foods, books & music, health & comfort services & stuff for the grandkids.
Other trends to be aware of:
70% of suburban households DO NOT have children
28% of households are people living alone
The Majority of households are now headed by women
To be successful long term, retailers & service providers need to reach the Gen X (30 somethings) and the Gen Y (20 somethings). These groups look for social and entertainemnt outlets and retail that is open past 5pm. Some businesses that attract these groups: taverns, coffee shops, internet cafes, comedy clubs, small music venues, organic foods, game-stops, "cool" second hand stores, eco-friendly items and anything electronic.
One last note to capitalize on - shoppers are increasingly making shopping a part of their daily routine - heading out to lunch and doing errands at the same time for example. Downtowns need to be ready to service this market of locals and non-resident consumers by having items readily available, providing quick, efficient service, and being open at convenient times.
The article finishes by saying: "By understanding and planning a retail strategy around these New Consumers, their new values, and their new shopping patterns, downtowns can better survive the aftermath of this recession and prosper in the recovery."
Downtown Idea Exchange, March 2010, published by Alexander Communications Group, Inc.
www.DowntownDevelopment.com
After the severe downturn of 2008 consumer spending is edging its way back. Although they do expect very slow retail recovery and little or no retail expansion in 2010.
The new Consumer is conservative and looking for the best value - meaning the best quality for the best price. Primary needs will be met first: drug & grocery stores, moderately priced food service, mass merchandisers and online shopping will begin to recover first.
Downtowns can capitalize on the new value-conscious consumer by providing discounts, promotions, perks such as free parking or other valued perks and highlighting the buy-local connection.
Baby Boomers are no longer the spenders - they are now saving for retirement. Their spending will be concentrated in casual dining, specialty foods, books & music, health & comfort services & stuff for the grandkids.
Other trends to be aware of:
70% of suburban households DO NOT have children
28% of households are people living alone
The Majority of households are now headed by women
To be successful long term, retailers & service providers need to reach the Gen X (30 somethings) and the Gen Y (20 somethings). These groups look for social and entertainemnt outlets and retail that is open past 5pm. Some businesses that attract these groups: taverns, coffee shops, internet cafes, comedy clubs, small music venues, organic foods, game-stops, "cool" second hand stores, eco-friendly items and anything electronic.
One last note to capitalize on - shoppers are increasingly making shopping a part of their daily routine - heading out to lunch and doing errands at the same time for example. Downtowns need to be ready to service this market of locals and non-resident consumers by having items readily available, providing quick, efficient service, and being open at convenient times.
The article finishes by saying: "By understanding and planning a retail strategy around these New Consumers, their new values, and their new shopping patterns, downtowns can better survive the aftermath of this recession and prosper in the recovery."
Downtown Idea Exchange, March 2010, published by Alexander Communications Group, Inc.
www.DowntownDevelopment.com
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Weekly Meetings held on Wednesday Mornings
THe ONE or Oswego Network of Entrepreneurs meets every Wednesday of the month, except for the Third Wednesday when many members participate in the Greater Oswego Business Committee at the Oswego - Fulton Chamber of Commerce.
ONE meetings are held at the HSBC branch on East First & Bridge Streets at 8:00am. We enjoy traveling to other businesses to learn more about them, so check with us if you plan to attend to make sure you have the right location. New locations will be posted here as well.
On Wednesday, April 7th, local Advertising expert Steve Chirello will share practical advice about how to use the internet and online marketing to improve your business. This presentation is open to any local business - it will be at the HSBC branch on East First Street, Oswego.
A note about the Greater Oswego Business Committee - it is open to any Oswego business that would like to participate to improve the environment for doing business locally, you do not have to be a Chamber member. This group meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 8:00 am at the Chamber office at 44 E Bridge Street.
For more information you can contact Linda Goodness at Community Development 343-3795, lgoodness@oswegony.org Or the Chamber at 343-7681.
ONE meetings are held at the HSBC branch on East First & Bridge Streets at 8:00am. We enjoy traveling to other businesses to learn more about them, so check with us if you plan to attend to make sure you have the right location. New locations will be posted here as well.
On Wednesday, April 7th, local Advertising expert Steve Chirello will share practical advice about how to use the internet and online marketing to improve your business. This presentation is open to any local business - it will be at the HSBC branch on East First Street, Oswego.
A note about the Greater Oswego Business Committee - it is open to any Oswego business that would like to participate to improve the environment for doing business locally, you do not have to be a Chamber member. This group meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 8:00 am at the Chamber office at 44 E Bridge Street.
For more information you can contact Linda Goodness at Community Development 343-3795, lgoodness@oswegony.org Or the Chamber at 343-7681.
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