Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter August | Page 2

Synopsis
Small town retail in America is being decimated by the ease and convenience of
online shopping. In order to keep our small towns in Wisconsin and throughout the
US thriving we need to fight fire with fire by pooling our own resources
online. That’s why ShopMainStreetOnline.com was founded. One shop in a sea of
retailers gets lost, but a group that bands together can thrive. As a small retailer
ourselves, we have developed a revolutionary online shopping system that bands
together small boutiques, galleries, restaurants, studios and spas into one place in
each town, accessible in an ETSY-type co-operative”.
ShopMainStreetOnline.com is where you can shop with trusted pillars of the
community. Members of community based enhancement organizations (Chambers,
Business Districts, Tourism centers, Main Street Programs etc.) that have
demonstrated honesty, dedication and civic responsibility! Browse through your
selected community, “walk” into their virtual stores and purchase with confidence.
By patronizing ShopMainStreetOnline.com you will have the satisfaction of
supporting small local businesses, helping local economies and keeping our cities
vibrant and thriving….all from the convenience of your desk top, lap top or mobile
device! This brand new, never been done shopping site is the key to success for
Communities, and local business owners…and an opportunity for customers to shop
local…. ShopMainStreetOnline.com!
American Express and Chambers of Commerce across the country have partnered
for the “Shop Small” campaign, a one-day event in November, encouraging
customers to shop locally and to support their local businesses. But does this go far
enough? What about the rest of the year? ShopMainStreetOnline.com a shopping
platform for American small businesses with a Community Based Organization
component, similar to Etsy, will allow members to easily have an online e-commerce
site. Each member participating will have their own “shop” where they can sell an
unlimited number of products or services. In addition to offering a venue, where
small businesses can compete on a more level playing field with the “big guys”