Small Retailers Creating Big Business

By Bob Johns

November 2013 Integrated Solutions For Retailers

Although individual small and midsize retailers may have smaller sales numbers, combined they dwarf the big-box retailers.

Retail is all about the customer and sales. Unfortunately, when people talk about retail, they think only of the big-box retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. These companies, along with Amazon and every other large retailer, definitely are a driver of retail, but the real drivers are the small and midsize retailers (SMRs), such as bohme, bebe, and all of the mom and pop stores out there.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 4 million retailers in America, employing nearly 45 million people full and part time, both directly and through associated businesses. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), retail supports nearly one in four American jobs. Whether it is through manufacturing, distribution, transportation, or working directly for a retailer, the economic impact of retail cannot be denied.