The Changing Times of Retail

As we observe the transition taking place in the Central Business District, it brings to mind the entrepreneurial spirit in our community.  This activity also displays the trends in today’s business environment that contribute to the transformation of retail enterprises.  This transformation is described as The Long Tail Theory of Economics, of how old ideas of supply and demand are being shattered by 21^st-century retailing. Popularized by the recent release of Chris Anderson’s book, “The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More,” shows how consumers, when presented with a choice, will buy more and different merchandise than typically found at the big box retailers, and will turn to the Internet as the new model of doing business. The author continues in that Internet shopping – the “long-tail” of shopping is becoming a more lucrative market and that the emergence of the “long-tail” will shrink the market for traditional products that have helped both chain and small business retailers in the past.  The trend seems to suggest that the “specialty niche” many of our business occupy will be better filled by “long-tail” Internet based businesses. To adapt to these changing trends, local businesses must aggressively develop their e-commerce business, matching the professional look, feel, and functionality of the big guys.  The key to turning local businesses into “long-tail” entrepreneurs will be in the collective approach to selling.  The people and places in our community offer the chance for individuals to connect to meaningful experiences and a sense of community – in our minds, as well as our physical space. 

2007 CHS All-Class Reunion

Watch your mailbox for your invitation to the 2007 JWH Days All-Class Reunion celebration to be held Saturday, May 19^th at Brennan Vineyards.  In addition to the dinner celebration, CHS alums are invited to join their classmates in a motor coach tour of historic sites in Comanche County, take in a live stage production at the Comanche Junior High, “In God We Still Trust”, or two-step the night away to the tunes of the legendary Texas musician, Tommy Alverson.  Don’t miss out on all the fun - all your friends will be there!  

 Military Honors

Comanche Main Street will continue to accept photographs for permanent display on the Comanche County Courthouse “Wall of Honor.”  Please provide a 5x7 photograph of the serviceman or woman (photos may be in black and white or color) and include on the back of the photo, the soldier’s name, rank, military branch of service, and where they are currently stationed.  In addition, please provide the names of the parents, grandparents, spouse, or children for acknowledgments.  Photographs may be dropped off at the Comanche Main Street office or you may submit them electronically to Comanche Main Street at comms@htcomp.net.