It used to be that, as a small retailer, you could lease a storefront, hang your sign and put an ad in the Yellow Pages or local newspaper and you would get business, but that world is gone forever. Today you have to navigate a much more complex environment for your customers to find you.
About 83% of shoppers research online before visiting a physical store, according to uniformmarket.com, which quotes Klarna's Shopping Pulse report. Still, other sources confirm that the majority of sales still take place inside a brick-and-mortar store. And once in the store, shoppers will use their smartphones to compare prices and read reviews.
So it's no longer just one way of doing things and even small retailers need to position themselves to be found by potential customers. Every store needs a website, even if you don't actually sell online (ecommerce). You need a place you can showcase your product lines, your phone number, your location and your hours.
No longer can you hang a shingle and just expect customers to find you. So now if you have a website, that's great, but can people find your website?
That's where search engines come in, and by "search engines" we mean Google, which has just short of 90% of the search market share. Bing is next (4.02%).
An optimized GBP can enhance local search engine optimization (SEO), driving more traffic to the store's website and increasing foot traffic. With the rise of voice search, having an updated GBP is crucial. Many consumers use voice-activated devices to find local stores, and an optimized profile helps capture this audience.
The profile showcases crucial details such as business hours, location, contact information, and a description of offerings. This transparency builds trust with potential customers.
Setting up and maintaining a GBP is free, making it a cost-effective way for independent retailers to market themselves online without significant investment. You can do it yourself, but there are ways to optimize a GBP for greatest results.
If you want to have a professional create and/or optimize your Google Business Profile, contact OmegaNet at gary@omeganetinc.net or 770-482-3012 ext. 104 and we will connect you with our GBP expert partner for a FREE 30-minute consultation; a $99 value.
NEW WHOLESALE WEBSITES
Gage Inc. has a new wholesale CAMEO EZ website. Gage Inc. sells their exclusive designer Venetian crystal and Italian glass vases, decanters and drinkware to accounts throughout United States and beyond. They have earned the reputation as one of the most trusted, innovative suppliers of exclusive, affordable designer gift and decorative items that endure the test of time and cherished for their generational heirloom qualities. Gage Meyer is President and Creative Director for Gage Inc.
Sassy Talkin' has a new CAMEO EZ© B2B website. Graphic designer, photographer, and artist Diana uses all of her talents to create unique designs on home decor, garden decor and accessories for women. New products are created by Diana listening to her customers. What sets Sassy Talkin' apart is the fact that the company creates for its customers and name drop with no set up fees.
Featured Vendors
indicates a CAMEO EZ© web site.
Ala Carte Alice
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Ala Carte Alice's mission is simple: to provide the best products and service to their customers and use the freshest ingredients that they can find. Alice Wooten takes great pride in her company, their commitment to customer service and in the products they sell. Ala Carte Alice’s products include savory sauces, red dog rubs, glazes, relishes and jams. Black and Blue Bacon, Creme Brulee and Sante Fe are just some of the yummy cheese balls Alice offers. In addition, there are mouth watering desserts, party dips and awesome entrees. You have go to try Ala Carte Alice for an excellent cullinary experience!
Albert L
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The albert L. (punkt) products are all traditionally handcrafted. We are striving to support the conventional social structures. Hanoi’s craft villages hold cultural values that are built up and cemented after generations of craftsmen here. At these villages, there are so many skillful craftsmen that the entire village becomes a large manufacturing center, like bamboo, ceramic, rattan etc. In order to guarantee high quality standards, all our products are checked and controlled by our quality team in our warehouse in Hanoi and once more in our warehouse here in the US before it is sent for an order.
Cin Chili
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Cindy Reed Wilkins, aka The Chili Queen, is a legend in the chili community. Cindy has won an extraordinary 15 first-place awards, over 100 total, in the world of championship red chili. For 35 years, she's been tweaking her best chili recipe, from the size of her beef cubes to her secret blend of powdered chili spices. Cin Chili & Company has grown since it's conception in 2005, from one awesome product to seventeen and counting.
Dutch House Caramels
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Dutch House Caramels was founded in 1997, when the owners of Bayfields Bake Shop & Grill, in Alexandria, Minnesota developed a recipe for caramel candy and started making the product in the restaurant. Today the company features caramels in a variety of assortments and gift boxes.
EMV Trading
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EMV's products are deeply inspired by nature with an emphasis on creating beautiful lasting memories. The company's vast selection of unique products complements fine jewelry stores or gift/souvenir shop. EMV jewelry is perfect for any occasion, ranging from formal to casual events with specialization in Hawaiian Koa jewelry and also offering: license plates, shells and pearls jewelry, sterling silver/stainless steel/tungsten/wood collections, assorted natural gemstones and stone fashion jewelry.
Fairhope Favorites
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Fairhope Favorites Inc. is a family owned 32 year old wholesale gourmet food company with unique items, such as Moonshine Hot Sauces and other novelty gifts. We are from Fairhope, Alabama in the deep south and all of our products are made here in the USA. "We pride ourselves with our unique products, with a touch of humor, and take great pride in all of our items."
Fancy That Gift & Décor
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Fancy That Gift & Decor, Inc. celebrated its 18th anniversary in August, 2019. Owners, Steve and Carmen Mendelson, have used their experience in gift and home decor to build a company that takes pride in providing quality Coastal Decor products and service with the highest levels of integrity always at the forefront.
Festive Finds
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At Festive Finds, we bring the magic of each season straight to your doorstep. Our mission is to provide a delightful shopping experience, offering a wide range of seasonal merchandise for every occasion and celebration.
FG Square Village
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The company's mission is to craft flawless seasonal pieces for aficionados of villages, ranging from Halloween animated villages to Christmas figurines. Rooted in years of retail experience and fortified by design and production expertise, the FG Square brand was officially established in 2022. The company has a dedicated focus on supplying holiday villages to diverse retailers across the United States.
Gage Inc.
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Gage Inc. sells their exclusive designer Venetian crystal and Italian glass vases, decanters and drinkware to accounts throughout United States and beyond. They have earned the reputation as one of the most trusted, innovative suppliers of exclusive, affordable designer gift and decorative items that endure the test of time and cherished for their generational heirloom qualities. Gage Meyer is President and Creative Director for Gage Inc.
Gina B. Designs
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Gina B. Designs is an award-winning greeting card, gift and stationery products company featuring exceptional art and design. With an array of styles, variety of products and outstanding customer service, Gina B. Designs has "something for everyone." All products are proudly made in the U.S.A.
The Great San Saba River Pecan Company
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The Great San Saba River Pecan Company is located in a huge pecan orchard near San Saba in Texas. The company's products include Preserves in a variety of flavors, Toppings, "Popin" Popcorn Pecan Snack and Pecan Pie in-a-Jar.
Grow Rock
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Grow Rock, a family-owned company that brings 200-year-old science used by farmers to boost crops and yield, into your home to help your plants grow bigger and faster. Grow rock uses innovative technology to generate microcurrents in the soil, which increases absorption of water and nutrients, resulting in larger, more lush, beautiful plants without the use of harmful chemicals or fertilizers. Grow Rock is available in four stylish designs with many more styles to come.
Herbal Rose Apothecary
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Herbal Rose Apothecary is a woman owned business founded by a nurse. Shadda Rose is an herbal enthusiast who is dedicated to bringing the medicinal world of plants to the community by offering ethically/organically sourced dried herbs, DiY apothecary kits, bath salts, gifts & more to the market.
JAG Enterprises Inc.
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Having been in business now for 31 years, JAG Enterprises Inc. is the premier place to find your special collegiate, gift and souvenir needs at the best price available.
Magnolia Lane Collection
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At Magnolia Lane, our desire is to produce gifts that become part of celebrations, memories, and family treasures. Our licensed tailgating products, Christmas line, The South collection, and outdoor decor will enhance and compliment every occasion! We are proud of what we do and are ever grateful and dedicated to our customers.
Michael Grace Gifts
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Michael Grace Gifts focuses on creating beautiful gifts that celebrate life's everyday moments and milestone memories, reflecting the unique personalities and individuality that make each of us treasure one another. Understanding the profound value of gift-giving and relationships, the company curates elegant gifts comprised of unforgettable products that are both visually stunning and a joy to use.
Mills Gourmet
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Mills Gourmet says, "Our products are available in our local area and throughout the US! Every gourmet mix we cultivate is made from scratch right here in our kitchen with the same needs in mind---taste, quality and affordability. We are proud of every single product in our inventory, and we promise our unique blends will give you a taste of real goodness!"
Mountaineer Floral
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Mountaineer Floral, LLC, is a family-owned silk floral wholesale company specializing in silk flower bushes, silk floral Styrofoam, decorative silk sympathy designs, baskets, and ribbon (seasonal, shear, tuxedo, and floral satin). Over the past 30 years, The company has built relationships with customers from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Mountaineer Floral's business is a blend of high quality products at reasonable prices. The company is family owned and operated, now in the third generation.
The Ornament King
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This exquisite line of meticulously hand painted European made ornaments, mouth blown glass as in days of old, is available exclusively from The Ornament King™ (Santa's Right Hand Man). Each style is made in limited quantities — once gone, they’re gone!
PainPod USA
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PainPod USA, the Palm-Sized Pain Relief Companion, sits neatly in your hand, is easy to use and relieves pain, eases aches and aids recovery for thousands of people across the world. The PainPod blends biotechnology and physical therapy into a tiny device designed for one purpose: to help make everyday life a little easier — whether you’re struggling with a bad back or recovering from surgery.
Pure Mana Hawaii
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Pure Mana Hawaii Founders Sue Mandini and Kollette Stith bring the wisdom of living close to the land and in harmony with nature's rhythms to the marketplace in their luxury skincare line. Built from the ground up, the brand features wild harvested ingredients and a synergy of raw, wild macadamia nut oil and green coffee bean oil, grown on their family's certified organic farm, Mahina Mele in Hawaii.
Quintessential Chocolates
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Quintessential Chocolates specializes in the centuries old art form of casting “Liqueur Praliné” or the European style Liquid Center Chocolates (“with a sugar crust”). The process the company uses is more than 200 years old. Quintessential is the only manufacturer of this specialty confection in America and has been creating these chocolates since 1984.
Samuel Lamont USA
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Founded in 1835, Samuel Lamont is a family run business that continues to manufacture kitchen textiles and provide luxury homeware and giftware. They offer the popular Poli-Dri Tea Towels, Aprons and so much more.
Sassy Talkin'
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Graphic designer, photographer, and artist Diana uses all of her talents to create unique designs on humorous decorative towels, coasters, ornaments and tumblers for women. New products are created by Diana listening to her customers. What sets Sassy Talkin' apart is the fact that the company creates for its customers and name drop with no set up fees.
Serenity + Sol
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Serenity + Sol features Metaphysical Products, including Crystal Bags, Essential Oils, Jewelry, Key Rings, "Evil Eye", Sage and Smudge and Sun Catchers. Prepacks are also available.
SparkJump
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SparkJump's goal is simple... They want their high-quality kids woodworking products to inspire kids and adults of all ages to build amazing things together, so everyone experiences the joy of creating something special with someone special.
Sunset Vista Designs
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Sunset Vista Designs offers you extra margin opportunities, and sells thru at retail. They offer innovative designs, in proven products, with space saving merchandising solutions, and attractive package deals that all add value to the quality products we offer. Many say this is the "best ever" line of innovative gift, garden, and home decor.
The Whitehurst Company
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The Whitehurst Company has roots in the Christmas and Home Holiday industry dating back to 1947, first started by Mr. and Mrs. Morris Whitehurst. Now owned and managed as a multi-generation, family-owned business, The Whitehurst Company offers you a wide selection of holiday decor. Products include the largest selection of solid colored ornaments, curated collections of European glass molds, along with licensed products that include Zim’s Elves Themselves, Zim's Collectible Heirloom Nutcrackers and Children of the Inner Light by Marci inspirational ornaments.
Billy Joe Homewares