Tools and tips to help local brick-and-mortar retail businesses to better compete with online retailers are among topics in this week’s free webinar presented by the Small Business Development Center at CSU Bakersfield.  

Host and SBDC director, Kelly Bearden will begin with news and brief updates on programs that affect small business recovery. He will be joined by Lani Lott, president of L.L. Consulting with a look at how the retail industry as a whole must continue to evolve with ever-increasing numbers of consumers shopping online rather than on Main Street. Lott will discuss a variety of elements businesses can combine to create value-added services and products that will give customers a five-star experience, and increase the likelihood they will return with a friend. 

Kelly will also be joined by Melanie Farmer, president and CEO of Bakersfield’s Downtown Business Association, and Cathy Butler, director of public relations for the DBA. They will provide an outlook on retail business, discuss events scheduled through the end of the year, and give details on local Small Business Saturday promotions following Thanksgiving. 

Questions from attendees will be taken.

This marks the 252nd episode of the weekly “Webinar Wednesday” business series that provides news and information helpful to employers and business owners. 

The SBDC provides free one-on-one consulting to help small business owners. New and existing businesses can sign up for assistance by clicking here!