Back to top Jump to featured resources

Viewing the community-owned stores tag archive

Rule filed under Independent Business | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Mar 17, 2012

Access to Financing for Small Businesses

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rule/financing-local-businesses/

While chain retailers and other large corporations have access to financing through the capital markets (which many of us help fund through our retirement plans and other investments), independent businesses have a much more challenging time securing financing. Below we have assembled examples of the kinds of institutions and policies that are essential to financing… Continue reading

Rule filed under Independent Business | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on May 10, 2010

Community and Customer-Owned Stores

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rule/financing-local-businesses/community-owned-stores/

There are two ways that residents of a community can jointly capitalize a new local business. One is to start a cooperative, a business that is owned by its member-customers, who provide the necessary capital in the form of member dues, govern the business democratically, and receive a share of any surplus or profits. Another approach is to create a community-owned store that is structured as a local stock corporation. Continue reading

Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on May 20, 2009

South Dakota Town Creates Community-Owned Variety Store

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/south-dakota-town-creates-communityowned-variety-store/

When small town in Clark lost its last variety store, they had a choice: drive 40 minutes to a nearby town for basic supplies or pull together and jointly create a new, community-owned store. They pulled together. Continue reading

forum-news
Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Mar 1, 2008

Community-Owned Stores: New Anchors for Older Main Streets

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/community-owned-stores-anchors-older-main-streets/

The success of the Powell Mercantile has inspired at least half a dozen other towns in Wyoming, Montana, and Nevada—all too small and remote to interest national or regional chains—to open their own department stores. The concept is now spreading to the much more populous Northeast, where local residents are seeking community-focused alternatives to big-box retailers. Continue reading

Powell Mercantile
Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 12, 2008

How to Launch a Community-Owned Store

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/how-to-launch-community-owned-store/

In dozens of towns across the country, citizens have seized the reins of their local economies by starting community-owned stores. This 6-page fact sheet shows you how to get started. Continue reading

Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Apr 1, 2004

Community-Owned Stores Provide Alternative to Chains

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/communityowned-stores-provide-alternative-chains/

RKG concluded that Middlebury consumers are spending nearly $7 million elsewhere each year and recommended that the city stem the leakage by enticing Wal-Mart to build a supercenter. But many Middlebury residents refuse to accept the inevitability of the low-wage retailing giant. They have their own ideas about solving Middlebury’s dilemma. They want to open a community-owned department store in the center of town. Continue reading

Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 1, 2003

Wyoming Town Latest to Open a Community-Owned Store

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/wyoming-town-latest-to-open-community-stor/

The town of Powell, Wyoming, is one of a growing number of places where residents are opening community-owned department stores. More than 800 shares of stock in the Powell Mercantile, priced at $500 each, were purchased by approximately 500 local investors. The 10,000-square-foot store, which sells mostly mid-range clothing and shoes, opened in July and has turned a profit ever since. Continue reading