LESSONS LEARNED IN 2021

Reflecting on the Past Year

As the year ended, we asked store owners to reflect on the lessons they learned in 2021.

“I don’t let customers who can be complainers get to me anymore. Some people are just like that and most of the time it’s not anything to do with our products.” – South Dakota retailer

“Sometimes you have to take big risks to get big rewards. Bulking up on inventory in August and September was a little scary but it paid off.” – Maryland retailer

“You can still have a successful year without going to market. It takes a lot more time to source, but you can make it happen.” – Nevada retailer

“Embrace change – in tech, products and the ways in which you do business.” – Michigan retailer

“With social media being such a priority for advertising, it’s easy to get burned out. Find someone who can help.” - Oregon retailer

“Hang on. You can’t break well-managed mom-and-pop shops. We’re here for the long haul.” – Illinois retailer

“Donating to charities that benefit local residents is wonderfully fulfilling personally, and it has also benefitted my business by bringing new customers in to shop. Our customers are very vocal in telling me how much they appreciate my support of their favorite causes. This has been more apparent this year than any previous year.” – Ohio retailer