Online shopping has changed the way many Americans make purchases and put such a strain on brick and mortar retail that many stores have closed. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further exasperated the problem as many stores furlough their employees. While corporate stores have fared the crisis better, smaller independent stores are still struggling.
That’s why the Retail Council of New York is hoping a website - a one stop shop to find boutiques and indie stores that might not have the same brand recognition that corporate retailers do. They are inviting anyone who has a small business to add their name to the registry so that customers who want to can support small businesses from their homes.
Ted Potrikus is President & CEO of the Retail Council of New York State.
