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Business

Smaller stores roll out specials

Shoppers can support a declaration of independents to help small retailers stay afloat in a sea of big boxes and chains.

By ANNE ARSENAULT
Published July 1, 2005

In a world of Burger Kings and Barnes & Nobles, consumers can easily overlook independent and small businesses. But many of them refuse to be ignored and strive to succeed in a competitive market.

This week, as the United States commemorates its independence from the British, the Tampa Independent Business Alliance celebrates the American spirit of entrepreneurship and free enterprise.

For the fourth year, TIBA presents Independents Week, a series of events and in-store promotions at locally owned, independent businesses throughout the area.

Established in 2001 by a group of local business owners, TIBA joined the American Independent Business Alliance last year, becoming part of the growing national movement to reverse the trend toward chains and large corporations.

Gordon Davis, a founding member of TIBA and owner of St. Bart's Island House restaurant, said Independents Week "originally started with the challenge not to use a large corporate company for your daily services."

By patronizing local restaurants, bookstores and hardware stores, individuals can help maintain the community's uniqueness, Davis said.

"It's very sad because we're losing our identities when places like Wal-Mart wipe out the independents," he said.

The festivities began this week at the monthly Summer Concert Series at Old Hyde Park Village. Proceeds from beer sales went to the alliance.

Today through Wednesday, look for sales and specials at member businesses like Sherri's Yesterdaze in Old Seminole Heights, Tanner Paint in North Tampa, Serendipity Accents and Gifts on Davis Islands, and A Source for the Home in Old Hyde Park Village. At each member store, customers may enter to win prizes up to $2,000.

TIBA will announce the prize winners at 7 p.m. Thursday at a free party in the main fountain area of Old Hyde Park Village. Mise En Place will provide refreshments. An outdoor movie, Legally Blond: Red, White and Blond, will begin at dusk.

Davis hopes Independents Week will raise awareness of local businesses and showcase their importance to the community.

"A lot of us want to throw in the towel and go work for a big corporation. . . . It's a sacrifice to own your own business, but we can do things that big corporations can't do," Davis said.

For information and a list of member businesses, visit www.tibatampa.org

- Anne Arsenault can be reached at 226-3434 or aarsenault@sptimes.com

[Last modified June 30, 2005, 09:10:08]