This year presented unique challenges for small business owners. Many were forced to think outside the box and adapt as the coronavirus raged across the country.
Nathan Sanderson is the Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association. He says 2020 accelerated the pace of change for small businesses dramatically.
“If you were thinking about having an online marketplace on the website that you had set up for your business, you probably move towards that. If you weren't using social media, you started to do that. you're forced to change your operational approach.
He says some of these changes could be beneficial for small businesses moving forward.
Sanderson adds the most important lesson consumers should take away from 2020 is the importance of shopping locally.
“Shop small shop local is something that a lot of people talk about. But I also think that it's something that people are really starting to take to heart this year. More businesses in communities across South Dakota are the ones that are supporting your local baseball team or your gymnastics group. And we really seen a lot of people step up to support businesses now, who support those things in communities.”
Sanderson says he hopes people will continue to shop local in 2021 and beyond.
-Contact SDPB’s Megan Feighery by email.