Scarsdale Chamber of Commerce and TAP Kick Off Buy Local Study

The Scarsdale Chamber of Commerce is partnering with local non-profit The Acceleration Project, (TAP), to study local consumer trends and make recommendations to ensure the vibrancy of Scarsdale's retailers. This new project was kicked off at the Chamber's monthly meeting at Vintology on Tuesday night November 19. TAP founders Lisa Tretler and Jane Veron provided an overview of their plans and asked retailers about the challenges they face and what they need to know about their customers to succeed.

Tretler and Veron, who both have considerable experience as business consultants and strategists, explained that their organization harnesses the power of local women to help local businesses grow. They have assembled a team of women with experience in all facets of private industry who will provide strategic planning and advice to companies who might not be able to afford this level of assistance.

The Buy Local study for the Scarsdale Chamber will involve speaking to local business owners, using that feedback to formulate an online survey for local residents and interpreting the survey results to identify key opportunities for local businesses. The TAP team will also survey other localities to determine "best practices" and see what's driving customers to other downtowns.

Veron explained that the success of individual businesses benefits all. She said, "we would like to see a thriving retail hub." She believes that residents desire a sense of community and that the best results will come through collaboration.

The work for the study has already begun and TAP hopes to report their findings to the Chamber by June, 2014. Watch for the consumer survey on Scarsdale10583.com. TAP welcomes your input.

In addition to running TAP, Lisa and Jane provide coaching and business planning to entrepreneurs and women looking to reenter the workforce. Learn more about TAP here: www.theaccelerationproject.org.