“Showrooming” is a growing trend that leaves local businesses falling behind. This is when a customer visits a local store to try on or learn about merchandise but buys it online or from a big box store. 60% of small retailers have experienced it and 55% of consumers admit to doing it according to new survey data released by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. myFM is asking local business owners if it’s a concern with their respective businesses. Co-owner of Poags Jewellers James Poag says he doesn’t think the trend has impacted them too much.
Poag says often times you end up spending more after the fact when buying from franchises than you save on the initial purchase in terms of the services they offer and extra fees associated with them. He also said it’s important to look around your local community and see who sponsors events, jersey’s and teams and it’s usually always a local business, which is why supporting your local stores should be common practice when possible because some of that money goes directly back to the community.
written by Grant Deme