Beebe said that their research showed that many small business owners and entrepreneurs wanted an Internet presence, but neither had the time, expertise or money to design web sites to take advantage of new technologies and compete with larger firms. Small to medium-sized businesses now garner half of all offline retail sales. A recent study by the Gallup organization for GTE Corp. found that while nearly one-third of all US small business owners were either online or listed in a Web directory, far fewer could leverage that presence. Terri Lonier said local retailers could thrive online. Small businesses have been disadvantaged in competing in the Internet arena because of cost and complexity.
National chains enjoy inherent advantages with which no local retailer can compete.
Small companies will never be able to compete with the mega-retailers in terms of price. We want to be their advocate, partner and resource for building their online businesses and dreams. All rights reserved.