Members of CICC cater to shoppers aged from 12 to 60. Lots of mothers who bring their daughters in for clothes end up leaving with purchases for themselves. What these independent merchants have going for them is their diversity. And true enough, shoppers who want these styles and know where to get them will travel far for them. Leslie Scott, manager of Ali's Boutique in Corryville, said she regularly draws shoppers from Lexington and Louisville.
Retail experts suggest shoppers are tiring of the same selections in most major department stores.
So the trick for independents is finding those shoppers and reeling them in. But for independents who lack large advertising budgets and buying power, business is often a struggle. A collaborative, at least, lets them share tips, strength and even customers. The Cincinnati Enquirer , a Gannett Co. Inc. newspaper.