Today I went for the last time to Saunders Hardware. It has been in business for 130 years and is closing. It's very sad to see how changing times make certain types of businesses unsustainable.
Neighbors will miss Saunders and whatever replaces it in such a beautiful building will change the face of the area.
I talk about types of businesses that become unsustainable because they compete against big box and online giants, with unlimited resources, and a financial muscle that allows them to break any competition.
There is a type of business that big box and online giants cannot compete against, however. Hospitality businesses require personalized service, a tailored product that fits a specific market, a business model that relies on several small sources of revenue and seeks partnerships and fulfilling a purpose that resonates with customers, and a service design that ensures a flawless interaction between users and their space.
These main street and downtown businesses are the Mavericks. They are the reason people come to downtown. They are the hosts, the entertainers, the treasure hunters and the ones that lead the charge to transform their place into an unforgettable destination.
They are also the main focus of my new book, Main Street Mavericks. Get it here:
Executive Director at HomeAid Austin
1moYeah! Congrats to you all and Leah! We look forward to working with y'all in Central Texas!