Forward Janesville - TheReport - Fourth Quarter 2019

FOURTH QUARTER 2019 • 17 For years, there has been much discussion and debate about the future of online versus locally based bricks-and-mortar retail. What are your thoughts? Online shopping is super convenient, but I find that customers still have the need and desire to have personal experiences and to touch, feel, and see many of the products they purchase. At A Glo Spa & Salon, all of our products include testers so that guests can try them. We also have service providers and guest care representatives available to help with questions. Diversification can be helpful as well. We are opening a women's clothing boutique called Mainstream Boutique right next to A Glo Spa & Salon. I feel there is a big need for the personal touch in this area. A stylist can help pick out clothes for each body type, as well as coordinate outfits, and so on. Again, being able to touch, feel, and try everything on before purchasing can't be done online. Also, bringing women together while shopping like this is super fun. What is the one piece of advice you would give a new Janesville retailer? It is important to advertise and to be found. Be sure to give top- notch customer service as it's not very tough to excel in this area if you make it your focus. Over time, I have learned a great deal about what not to do by trying things and making mistakes. You win some and you lose some, but you always learn in the process. Having a positive attitude and outlook helps everything. What have you found most surprising over your career offering retail services? The thing I have found most surprising is that after GM closed, Janesville is thriving even more than it did before. I love the privilege of owning and operating businesses in Janesville! For years, there has been much discussion and debate about the future of online versus locally based bricks-and-mortar retail. What are your thoughts? This is an interesting question for me as I spent about 15 years building a publishing company that sold most of our books online. Now that has completely shifted with the focus on the Bodacious Shops. I feel that our increasing use of technology leaves a deep void in human contact! At Bodacious, we work very hard to be a connecter in the community. We want our customers to know we care about them. We also want our various community members to connect and try to make the Bodacious Shops a great place to do this. We try to stay on top of positive happenings in the community and support them, whether initiatives or new businesses! Right now that means helping spread the word about the 108 S. Jackson, Vote Your Main Street Competition! I feel a city needs a heart that acts as the hub of the city. I see our downtown as such a place. It has been a joy to feel the support of the community for our business and downtown. I have been thrilled to watch as the foot traffic increases and we run into our neighbors, co-workers, etc., as we walk through the downtown. It will only get better! What is the one piece of advice you would give a new Janesville retailer? My piece of advice to a new retailer is to connect with other retailers. I have found, we are a collaborative group and want to help one another be successful. As important, or maybe more important, listen to the customers. We have great customers and when they give us feedback, we listen. It may take us a bit but we do our best to meet and exceed customer expectations. That may mean different hours, more evening food options, or a special milk alternative. REtAIl RElEvAnCE: FJI mEmBERs wEIGh In Chris Newell • Owner, A Glo Spa & Salon Bekki Kennedy • Owner, Bodacious Shops of Block 42 Online shopping is super convenient, but I find that customers s ll have the need and desire to have personal experiences and to touch, feel, and see many of the products they purchase. I feel a city needs a heart that acts as the hub of the city. I see our downtown as such a place. It has been a joy to feel the support of the community for our business and downtown.