10/10/2005

INDEPENDENTS FIGHT BACK

Staff Report

Resisting the power of those big retail chains isn't easy, but someone's got to do it.

That's how the newly organized Metro Independent Business Alliance sizes up matters.

Executive director Merritt Clapp-Smith says the alliance hopes to have more than 100 business members by its first annual meeting, scheduled for March. It has signed up 43, including 10 along Grand Avenue in St. Paul. Grand Avenue has the largest concentration of members so far.

"Things are going well," says Clapp-Smith.

Four-fifths of the members are based in either St. Paul or Minneapolis. The alliance's roster includes three businesses in Stillwater, and leaders are hoping for more members there and in Excelsior. Both cities are beehives of activity for independent retailers.

The nonprofit alliance lists four goals: marketing its businesses through an online directory and advertising; educating consumers on the value of "shopping local;" networking and group purchasing for members; and lobbying to win more favorable treatment.

The group takes in only businesses with six or fewer stores. Its two largest members, Warners' Stellian Appliance and Bank Cherokee, are at the limit.

The parent organization is the American Independent Business Alliance, a national group based in Bozeman, Mont., that backs 15 local alliances across the country.

David Unowsky, who works at the Magers & Quinn Bookstore in Minneapolis, is president of the local alliance. Unowsky also owned the Ruminator bookstore on Grand Avenue until it went out of business last year.

©St. Paul Pioneer Press 2005

 

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