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Are you starting your own business and finding it tough to compete with all the large department stores? Do you miss going to local mom and pop shops where you can find unique products and receive personal attention? If you fall into either category, check out Shustir, a virtual bazaar with numerous individual storefronts. According to Nielsen Online, only a reported 44 percent of small businesses have a website. Online buying is increasing yearly and Shustir’s goal is to bring small businesses closer to their customers on the Internet.
Shustir’s powerful retail platform caters to small businesses, start-ups, entrepreneurs and people who are looking to recreate themselves. The site’s “marketplace” lets you browse through businesses by geographic location or service provided. If you own your own small business, this is a great place to set up shop because it increases your visibility. The free “classifieds” section provides a forum to search for or post services, items and job openings. The site also provides a “community” space where you can share ideas with entrepreneurs like yourself.
Shustir was started by two women, Shu Kim and Khanh Pham, who formerly worked at Lehman Brothers. The founders believe that you need to “think outside of the box” in order to survive in today’s marketplace. Shu and Khanh recreated themselves from corporate real estate professionals to online entrepreneurs by developing this platform to help local businesses.
Shustir officially launched at the end of May 2009 and already has more than 14,000 storefronts, many of which are women-owned. Setting up a site is free and there is a $25 monthly fee to use the ecommerce functionality.
So whether you are looking to support local businesses or start something on your own, check out Shustir, it’s likely a great resource for you!
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