The 30A-Team

SEASIDE — When you’re a small business owner, competing with “big box” stores can be challenging.

That’s why stores along 30A have begun a grassroots “buy local” campaign.

“It’s not a formal program,” said Holly Speight, owner of Albert F’s in Seaside. “It’s just reminding people to shop on 30A and remember the neat, wonderful stores located on the A. Small businesses are in peril and, when possible, shoppers should visit individual retail institutions of interest.”

Business owners like Speight know full well that shoppers heading to the Walmarts and Targets of the world know what to expect in variety, price, and one-stop convenience.

So, how do the small mom-and-pops compete?

The No. 1 key, said Gigi’s Fashions owner Geri Golding, is offering cool and unique things shoppers can’t get everywhere — like full-sized train sets to circle the base of a Christmas tree; or Yo Baby kick sneakers; or one-of-a-kind girls’ necklaces made in-store.

Oopsie Daisy slips, dress-up dresses, twirl full circle skirts, games such as Nanograms that are educational and for the whole family and Silly Bands for boys and girls are more of the unique items that are big sellers at Gigi’s in Rosemary Beach.

The No. 2 key in competing with the “big boxes” is great customer service, said Golding. For Gigi’s, great customer service includes free gift wrap, being open every day, offering gift cards, and shipping.

Also in Rosemary Beach is Tracery Interiors, owned by Paige Schnell, who agrees with Golding’s strategy.

“What people love about 30A is that we have all these neat shops that are unique,” she said. “They shouldn’t forget that when shopping.”

At Tracery Interiors, Schnell offers ongoing sales on different items and she also ships.

Speight, meanwhile, also uses Facebook to promote not only her business, but others as well. In the past, Speight has promoted a different “store of the day” on Facebook.

Not forgetting the mom-and-pop eateries, though, she also posted a note each time she ate at area restaurants, with a description of an enticing meal.

“Some other stores’ owners have picked up on it and we promote each other,” she said. 

While the movement is not formal, as a small business owner in the area for close to 10 years, Speight’s goal is to rekindle the 30A Business Association, which existed around the time she moved to the area.

“Maybe it was before its time, but I would like to see it re-established and focus on 30A small businesses,” she said. 

Speight offers many items in her shop on sale at any given time, she said, and like the other shops, she carries unique items. The item she is most excited about is the jewelry line Pick Up Sticks, handmade by three girlfriends in Mexico.

“It’s not expensive and is our No. 1 seller,” she said. “It makes a great gift.” 

Another popular item is notecards by Brittany Fuson.

“I believe it is important for everyone to play local, eat local, and help each other out. There’s a misconception that if you buy on 30A you will pay more. That’s not true. We all have to shop in ‘big boxes’ some time, but I’m committed to playing and shopping on 30A and supporting the locals,” Speight said.