My neighborhood used to be filled with Mom & Pop shops. Independent businesses were thriving and giving back to our schools and parents shopped there with pride. But something happened. The economy shifted and landlords raised rents on the stores and suddenly, mom & pop shops went the way of the dinosaurs. It feels like every day I see a new sign going up about “clearance sales” and “saying goodbye after 40+ years.”
It makes me so sad. Not just for my neighborhood and for what used to be a street filled with quaint stores to buy unique gifts or restaurants run by families. I’m sad for the neighborhood schools too. What this means for them is just one more hurdle — one more piece of red tape to get through in order to get donations. Our community is changing. Now we see mostly big box or chain stores that can’t make decisions about supporting a school without speaking to corporate. And once they do speak to the corporate offices (if they do), there are even more complications since EVERYONE is asking for support and “we can’t help everyone.”
Some will say Mom & Pop shops need to go — this is “progress,” but from where I’m sitting, it certainly doesn’t feel like it.
We need to find a way to build the community back up so we can work together!
There are lots of ways to make headway, but the first and most important way is to communicate in person. Just because you’re dealing with a bigger company doesn’t mean you have to treat them in a corporate way. Have a conversation. Walk in and meet them face to face. Build a relationship with them. Find ways to help them bring in more business and they will want to help you too!
When we work together, everyone wins!
Have you had a hard time breaking through the corporate barrier? Need a little extra help with your fundraising plan? Let me help you! Email me and let’s find a way to make your fundraising less stressful and more successful!
Here’s to the Mom & Pop Shops, the Big Box Stores and YOU!
Sarah
Sarah has been fundraising for schools since 2008. She is the author of A Mom’s Guide to School Fundraising and has consulted for several schools and clubs. She has been featured on RetailMeNot.com, Scholastic: Parent & Child and The New York Times. She thinks all kids should be able to have a well-rounded education, team uniforms, instruments and support. Don’t you?