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Shop local discussion about fliers

Friday morning was the second meeting with regard to increasing the amount of local shopping in Thermopolis.

Meri Ann Rush began the meeting with discussion of House Bill 19, regarding sales from remote sellers. The bill, which did pass, stipulates if a seller’s gross revenue from the sale of tangible personal property, admissions or services delivered into this state exceeds $100,000, or if the seller sold tangible personal property, admissions or services delivered into this state in 200 or more separate transactions, than that seller must charge sales tax.

This bill greatly impacts online sales, which was a topic discussed at the group’s January meeting. Internet sales were raised as a point of concern, as they cut into local sales. Rush noted the bill helps to level the playing field when it comes to where people can shop.

As for ideas of how to increase local shopping, Shurie Scheel suggested doing a social media promotion campaign. Rick Tudor said using social media is great, but the campaign might miss the older generation and those who don’t check it on a regular basis.

Tudor presented the idea of doing an actual mailer — something that could be sent to people via their regular mail and included in the newspaper. He further noted some people “live through the mail,” and don’t go on social media unless they’re interested in buying something or if they have a lot of notifications.

Further discussion on the fliers included what businesses might include, such as sales they’re having and whether to send the fliers monthly or quarterly. The idea, as well as possible rough drafts for the flier, will be addressed at the next meeting.

Another idea presented at the meeting was putting something together to show how much people are saving when they shop local as opposed to going out of town, as the latter also costs in gas, time and food, as well as the likelihood of spending more on additional purchases.

Howie Samelson suggested people might continue to shop out of town because they’ve found an item at a lower price, and use that as a benchmark even though the price might have gone up since. Scheel said some items have set prices no matter who sells them, and people could save if a local business has a sale and an outside business doesn’t.

Rush pointed out if a business has to close its doors, it’s not just the business suffering as many provide sponsorship for local groups and events.

Samelson also raised the point that shopping local also helps to go toward the renovation of Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital, and more shopping local means more going to the project and shortening the overall timeframe. Scheel said the people to target for the shop local campaign might be those who voted “no” for the special purpose tax that is used for the hospital renovation, as those who voted “yes” are likely to be those who do more local shopping. Tudor said there might already be some negative feelings from the people who voted “no” for the renovation, and rather than risk hitting a sore spot it might be better to focus on the positives affecting everyone.

Scheel also addressed the possibility of capitalizing on online sales, as there are several unique items found in Thermopolis that merchants could be selling online. While this is not necessarily shopping local, she said, it is increasing the amount of revenue businesses can bring in. People might also see the items online, and want to stop at the local stores when they come to town.

Another idea presented was for businesses to have displays of their items in their windows. While shoppers who have a set destination might not be drawn in by the displays, it could stand out in their minds and draw them back to the business. The displays also go to help keep the downtown changing and encouraging repeat customers.

Tudor said it has become the mentality of Americans to want instant gratification, and it’s important to reinforce the little unique things people can find. Scheel said once people start shopping local they learn what different businesses carry and where they can go for a particular item. She added the discussed flier could enhance this, as people would be able to see what everyone has.

Another part, Tudor said, is getting businesses comfortable with recommending other shops people might try to find what they’re looking for.

The next meeting to discuss shopping local is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Friday, March 3 at Black Bear Cafe. The meetings are open, and everyone is encouraged to come and share their ideas.

 

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