Store Identity

I've been pondering this for quite sometime now after reading countless threads about the big chains and how to compete or how to be more like them.

My question is what do you have or offer that the big guys don't? What sets you apart from them?

For my store:

1) I will not BS you and tell you something is good if I really didn't think so.

2) If you can't find something we will do our best to get you something you will like.

3) If the movie you want is not in we will put you down for a reservation and call you when it gets in.

4) When possible, we will refer to you by your name, your not just a number with us.

5) We give you as much as we can in regards to deleting late fees, giving free rentals, ect.

6) We care.

All too often, we get caught up trying to compete with the big chains only to fail. Us as indies need to look back at some business models that have survived. Look at your local butcher, hardware store, resturant or cafe that have been in business regardless of if a Wal-mart, Lowes, or McDonalds have moved in. They survived by focusing on what they can do that the big guys can't. The might not offer the depth or variety of what the others do but what they do offer is quality and service. They all have their own identity established and hold on to that by not giving up their core values.

Think about what makes you different and focus on that people. Seperate your selves from the chains. Customers will notice, even if they do not say anything they will. Hold your head up high fellow video store owners, we are the type of people that made this country great and continue to do so.