In The News

July 5, 2023

New online marketplace gives SC’s small businesses a boost

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The goal of any small business is to reach its customers either in person or online. But a 2020 survey revealed that 65 percent of South Carolina small businesses did not have an e-commerce platform.

The Municipal Association of South Carolina has a new plan to help, launching a new online marketplace to connect small businesses across the state. It’s called WeShopSC.

Almost everything sold at Salty’s Board Shop on Devine Street is made to be seen in person.

“A lot of what we carry, you know, people want to touch and feel and try on,” said Owner Paul Goff. “People could come in and gain knowledge about skateboarding or snowboarding or whatever it is that they’re into.

15 years ago Goff saw the future coming and created a website. He said he was glad he did when the pandemic hit.

“We still did curbside and we also did same-day delivery within a 10-mile radius. It helped a little bit,” said Goff.

Main Street South Carolina Manager Jenny Boulware said not all businesses were so lucky.

“The competitive advantages of larger corporations were problematic to South Carolina small businesses,” said Boulware.

Now, hundreds of small business owners in South Carolina will soon have an online marketplace to call home.

[continue reading | source: News19 WLTX]

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