Dec 15, 2007

Small Talk: Independent shops setting themselves apartBy Joyce RosenbergSLTrib.com

Kids Country Toys owner Jerry Strick, who has been in business 35 years, uses services that super chains such as Wal-Mart and Toys “R” Us don’t provide – such as assembling toys for free – to draw customers to his store. And, since he is an independent, in Charleston, W.Va., he will carry toy brands that the big chains aren’t interested in but that customers want.

At Jeff Cassels’ jewelry store, falling real estate values and rising gold prices are more than news headlines – they are contributors to an uncertain holiday season. At Joanie McDonald’s clothing store, however, a weakening dollar is turning into a boon.

This season finds independent retailers across the country dealing with a new set of economic challenges even as they still contend with growing competition from big-box retailers like Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Borders Inc. That means merchants are being pressed more than ever to capitalize on what sets them apart from the rest of the retail universe – merchandise that’s unique and well-suited to a store’s clientele, and customer service that’s beyond the ordinary.

Customers of Kid Country Toys, two specialty toy stores in Charleston, W.Va., can dispense with the screwdrivers and bandages usually needed to put tricycles and other toys together. Owner Jerry Strick said his staff will assemble purchases free of charge. Toys can be gift wrapped as well.

Read complete article.