SBDC Releases Consumer Holiday Survey Results
A consumer preference survey conducted by The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Wilkes University SBDC found that 83.4 percent of consumers were likely to shop at a small business.The University of Scranton Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) along with the Wilkes University SBDC recently conducted a consumer preference survey designed to help small retail shops plan for the upcoming holiday season.
The survey, conducted by The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development, found that 71 percent of consumers are planning to do their holiday shopping online and that trend was consistent among all age groups. More importantly, 83.4 percent were likely to shop at a small business. A desire to support small businesses and the community during the pandemic, better customer service, more unique options and protecting their health were some of the reasons noted by participants.
Dorothy Lane, director of the Wilkes University SBDC was glad to hear the support for the small business community was strong. Lane said, “2020 has been a struggle for small businesses everywhere, but time and again we have witnessed consumers making a concerted effort to support their neighborhood businesses.”
The information calls on small businesses to establish an online presence whether it’s through a website, a sales platform such as Etsy or social media channels. If a small business needs guidance in this area they are encouraged to reach out to their SBDC for assistance.
“Holiday sales are critically important for our small businesses and this particular season comes with many challenges,” said Lisa Hall Zielinski, director of The University of Scranton SBDC. “The SBDCs are ready to help our small retailers create and implement plans that encourage more people to shop small this holiday season.”
Download the full report: scrantonsbdc.com/2020-retail-survey-results/
SBDCs are hosted by leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private partners, and funded in part by the United States Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are nearly 1,000 local centers available to provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses. The Wilkes University SBDC serves five counties in Northeastern, Central and Northern Tier Pennsylvania.
The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development was formed as a partnership of 13 colleges and universities in the Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre/ Hazleton Metropolitan Statistical Area and the business community.
