As I sit in my empty store on a rainy Sunday, I am again confronted by well meaning people who are advising customers to stay out of chain stores, my store. I am not sure when I became the enemy, or when it became admirable for people to take money out of my pocket. Before you pick up more stones to throw could you please take a moment to learn about the concept of franchising?
Most of the chain stores in Sebastopol are locally owned and operated. By paying a small percentage of my sales to GNC I am granted the right to use their operating system and sell their products. I also have the ability to tailor my product mix to serve the local community. I chose to buy a franchise instead of independent vitamin store for several reasons. First, a franchise has a much higher rate of success than an independent business. Second, by following a format, my business is really rather simple and easy to run, you won't hear that from many business owners. Third, I gain access to a brand that has over 70 years of quality and stability.
I am not an evil corporate villain, I am just struggling to find some way to survive in Sebastopol. Please think about who you are hurting before you make make your judgements.
Thank you, Kathleen Stroh