Can Compete Owners of small businesses can compete with mass discount marketers. Deller has conducted research with Ken Stone, professor of economics at Iowa State University to explore the effects of the retail environment created by discount department stores. Deller and Stone suggest small business owners develop services superior to those offered by discount department stores. Smaller business owners can offer expert technical advice, on- site repair of certain items and deliveries where appropriate. They also can offer to make special orders for customers.
Small businesses can get the competitive edge by managing inventory better.
It is impossible for bigger stores to carry every possible item. Find complementary merchandise or try to find a special niche you can fill. With the growing number of two-wage earner families, the traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours may not be sufficient. To compete, smaller retailers must work with customers to satisfy their demands. For example, lower prices on items people buy more frequently.