[ad_1]
PROVIDENCE, R.I (WPRI) – Thousands of people across the country rallied to help local businesses, including small businesses on Saturday, shop at locally owned stores.
In a world of online retailers and big box stores, a family-owned business, Providence, has stood the test of time for nearly 100 years.
"Well, my grandfather started 99 years ago," said Harry Alder, president of Alder Bros. Inc. "We have no exact date, but it was in 1919 and it started with clothes and work clothes."
Many things have changed since then. Harry Adler, who is now a design center and hardware store, says small businesses are facing more obstacles than ever before.
"Certainly nothing was a click away," he added. "The mega competition from Home Depot and Lowe, you know, we were competing with other small businesses.All of our merchandise came from local wholesale suppliers, none of which are in business anymore."
But Adler has survived and prospered! Thanks to loyal customers, such as Zach Kenny, by offering a personal touch, you can not connect online or in mega-stores.
"I come here almost everyday and I buy all my paint, the knowledge here is incredible and they sell the best products," said Kenny, president of ZK Painting. "It's not like a normal place, you feel at home."
It's been almost 60 years since Adler lost his founder, but imagine the joy that he would have to find his store still standing.
"If my grandfather could come back and stay here for a few minutes, he'd be, I think, pretty excited to see that he's still here, and surprised to see two of his grandchildren working together," said Alder. . "It would be just so proud, yes, enough to be pretty kleenex."
He has also offered advice to people who want to start their own business. Know your niche, be ready to adapt and build strong relationships with your customers.
Source link
