Making it work despite online options

It’s becoming increasingly competitive for small businesses to make a profit and even stay afloat with the increase in online opportunities. At one time shoppers may have avoided online purchases because of shipping and handling charges, as well as how long it would take to receive their item but that has all changed with Amazon. It doesn’t charge for shipping and handling and a purchase can often arrive within 48 hours, sometimes less.

But, said Bayville Chamber President Vinny Moscato, small businesses are finding ways to stay in business. Some offer their wares online. And the chamber also helps businesses.

One idea that has helped is a chamber raffle promotion. Beginning on the day after Thanksgiving until when the village has its Christmas tree lighting, shoppers receive a raffle ticket for every purchase they make in a store that is a chamber member. The promotion is advertised with signs and post cards are mailed to all residents listing the participating stores. The winner, who is given $500, is picked at the tree lighting.

Moscato said business is much slower during the winter months. But the raffle and the chamber’s free breakfast with Santa has helped small businesses survive.    

“It’s a changing world,” Moscato said. “We do the best we can.”

Over the Bridge

Owner: Mary Jean Hunt, of Bayville

Employees: 0

When opened: 2018

Size of store: Approximately 20 feet by 30 feet.

What is offered: Home, garden and gift items. Bayville themed items are also sold.

Contact:  (516) 515-0072

Herald Guardian: How do you continue to operate in a world where online retailers like Amazon are dominating the market?

Mary Jean Hunt: People love coming here because I have stuff they don’t see anywhere else, including online. I sell Bayville signs, sweatshirts and hats. People like to buy good quality Bayville swag. I buy from women owned businesses like the one in Rhode Island that I buy hats from and I buy from companies that support small businesses. I like dealing with smaller vendors because I can get away with buying 10 of something.

It’s all about customer service, in my opinion. On Thursday nights I have Sip and Shop when there is wine and cheese for everyone while they shop.

People like to see and touch stuff and like to come in to chat as well. My business has doubled since last year.

As for buying online, people tell me they get the wrong item or the wrong size. When you buy it here it will be the right thing and the customer will take it home and be done.

I also have an Instagram account. People contact me and ask me to hold things for them from all over. I have good quality things that people want to buy that aren’t silly gifts. And we gift wrap. 

Funni Business

Owner: Patricia Porco, of Bayville

Employees: 0

When opened: 2011

Size of store: Approximately 1,200 square feet

What is offered: Award-winning toys, educational and special needs items and the latest trend at the most competitive pricing.  Adult games and plaques.

Contact: (516) 922-3900

Herald Guardian: How do you continue to operate in a world where online retailers like Amazon are dominating the market?

Patricia Porco: Our customer service. We offer free delivery from Glen Cove to Syosset and personal shopping seven days a week. I will arrange for a time before or after hours for those who want privacy. And I offer one on one customer service to everyone, which I am complimented on. I strive for a long-term relationship with clients.

We offer unique items and because of the demise of big box stores like Toys R Us people now want the unique items. I go to more and more shows to look for them. But I also have the toys that are advertised on television.

What I offer is what Amazon doesn’t have — the opportunity to touch and smell. People want to come in and see how the toy works. You can’t get a kid coming into the store and hugging your legs at Amazon.

Not Just Art

Owner: Eva Regulski, of Huntington and Mara Lise Esposito, of Bayville

Employees: 8 part time

When opened: 2002

Size of store: 3,000 square feet

What is offered: Music Together, Art and Play with a grown-up, toddler separation, pre-school enrichment and after-school art and science classes. Small retail store.

Contact: (516) 922-8300

Herald Guardian: How do you continue to operate in a world where online retailers like Amazon are dominating the market?

Eva Regulski: Our focus is more on families and classes. And we are open when school is not, providing programs for children, which brings in additional customers.

We aren’t large enough to be a full-fledged toy store. If you go to the museum there’s a gift store. If you take classes to learn to knit they sell yarn. Our retail space is a place to compliment what we do in our classes. We sell musical instruments, creative toys, art supplies and science toys.

We downsized some of our merchandize because of online sales. We don’t sell big ticket items or electronic toys. What we sell costs between $5 and $25.