The Changing Face of Retail

Local retailers –

With concerts, festivals, outdoor markets and UVA graduation right around the corner, tourist season is in full swing in Charlottesville, Albemarle and the surrounding area!

Are you ready for it?  Come to our workshop and find out! 

Being a local specialty retailer has always been tough business, but these days it’s getting increasingly tougher.  How do smaller retailers keep up with the big boys like Target, Walmart and a whole host of other chain stores….not to mention Google, Amazon, Etsy and all the e-commerce competitors?

The Central Virginia Small Business Development Center is offering this free workshop to help you make the most of the 2019 retail season.  The workshop will feature Marc Willson, Retail and Restaurant Strategist for the Virginia SBDC.  Marc brings 35 years of retail experience to bear in helping retail, restaurant, and tourism-related small businesses refine and promote their concepts to the public through his Small Town and Merchant Program (STAMP).

Topics to be discussed include:

• An overview of the specialty retail market today and projections for the future
• A look at industry trends and drivers
• Discussion on how to more effectively compete in a changing world
• The Best TIPS to get customers into your business
• Why, where and how to concentrate your marketing efforts
• How best to use Google My Business, Yelp and Trip Advisor

Two hours of free parking will be offered if you park in the Market or Water Street garages.

Mr. Willson will also offer free one-on-one consultations Monday afternoon, 5/20 and all day Tuesday, 5/21 at your business location.  Please call our office today – (434) 295-8198 – if interested in a visit from Marc, as space is limited.

This workshop is sponsored by the Central Virginia SBDC and the City of Charlottesville.

Registration