Summit Downtown To Help On-Line Shoppers Use Local Businesses

SUMMIT, NJ —Summit Downtown, the non-profit that represents local businesses in that city, is partnering with a local female-run startup to help on-line shoppers buy from downtown stores.

Beyond Main was launched in Summit by local women last spring. So far, it has enabled 15 Summit businesses to sell and market themselves through their online local marketplace (www.beyondmain.com).

In the partnership, Summit Downtown, Inc. is offering businesses that are not yet on the Beyond Main site a $150 credit toward their annual subscription.

Beyond Main Founder Kate Giovambattista said, “We created Beyond Main for busy moms and families who like to shop online but also want to support local businesses. When you shop a local business, 68 percent of what you spend gets re-circulated back into your local economy, vs. 1 percent of the same spend through online sites like Amazon. We launched in Summit and are excited to be expanding to other towns across the state and the Northeast in 2020.”

“In order to help our small businesses compete with online retailers, we think Beyond Main is a convenient, low-cost option they wouldn’t otherwise have,” said SDI Executive Director Nancy Adams. “Beyond Main can even create a website for participating businesses where they can also sell their merchandise and offer pickups or deliveries. It’s a great way to compete and increase sales.”

Summit Mayor Nora Radest said, “Beyond Main is an excellent opportunity for Summit residents to support local merchants and have the convenience of shopping online. I encourage you try it.”

Beyond Main utilizes technology to improve customer service and convenience for local businesses through a software subscription model. Beyond Main is free for shoppers to join, create profiles, and enjoy on-demand shopping at local stores and businesses even after store hours.

Beyond Main is free to join; to become a founding retail partner, visit Beyond Main and register your business.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Bridget Renzulli at 312-813-2210 or email bridget@beyondmain.com.