It’s becoming increasingly clear that the landscape of retail is changing. The closing of name brand retail stores is not a problem unique to Great Bend. In a digital world, retailers are presented with new challenges and opportunities.
Instead of viewing the shift to online shopping as a negative, the Great Bend Chamber & Economic Development is going to help local businesses embrace these inevitable changes and adapt their sales strategies to include eCommerce solutions as a component of their “Bricks & Mortar” business model.
A new seminar entitled “Bricks & Mortar Meets Click & Order” will take place from 8-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, in the Spray-Holt Family Board Room at the Chamber, located at 1125 Williams St. While many Chamber events are geared to members only, this particular event will be open to all businesses in central Kansas who wish to attend.
“This eCommerce workshop is geared at assisting local businesses who are interested in taking their products or services online, or in enhancing their current eCommerce platforms,” said Andrea Bauer, director of business development for the Great Bend Chamber. “We look forward to helping our members and the community tackle the biggest trend in consumer spending in the last 24 months, the shift towards online shopping.”
So how does a bricks and mortar business stay relevant in an increasingly digital world? Speakers from LRS Consulting Inc. will be answering that question, and many others, during the two-and-a-half hour workshop. Combined, the facilitators have more than 30 years of experience across multiple industries including retail marketing, financial services, accounting, multimedia and small business development.
Attendees will walk away with a quick guide that is custom created for their specific business needs.
“We encourage businesses to register early for this unique workshop. Participants will get to see lots of successful platforms, generate ideas on how to build website traffic, and explore how to track solid metrics to measure what’s working for their online shopping presence,” Bauer said. “We are hoping for a great turnout, and everyone who attends will be entered to win one of two photography lightboxes we’ll be giving away as door prizes.”
All area businesses are invited to attend this seminar. Cost is $15 per person for members of the Great Bend Chamber, or $20 for non-members. Refreshments and handouts are included. Seating is limited, so register early at www.greatbend.org/eventregistration.