Introduction
The Independent Retailers Shared Services Cooperative provides consulting services to independent businessess. Over the last two years the Cooperative established a track record of strengthening small, independent businesses, and building partnerships with a range of organizations focused on economic development in business-challenged communities.
Today the Cooperative helps independent businesses become higher performing enterprises by showing them how to:
- Manage operations more profitably.
- Revitalize and expand existing stores as well as build new outlets.
- Create better relationships with customers and suppliers.
- Maximize existing marketing opportunities and develop new markets.
- Plan for retirement and succession.
Most of the Cooperative's member stores are independent retail establishments, owned and managed locally by respected entrepreneurs. Many of these businesses offer a selection of healthy, fresh food and good nutrition options, playing an increasingly important role in disease prevention and wellness in a variety of New England communities.
Mission
The Cooperative’s mission is to help independent businesses differentiate meaningfully from large, corporate-owned businesses, and gain access to the marketing resources, category management, and supply chain expertise needed to succeed in today’s highly competitive marketplace.