Connections: Community-Oriented Commercial Properties in Transylvania

"Together we are better" is a statement we have all heard or read many times, but what does this mean for retailers?

Community. Connection. Familiarity. These are what unite us and make us feel part of something bigger than ourselves. A strong sense of community creates a feeling of belonging for everyone, including retail staff and customers.

This shared sense of belonging creates bonds between members of the community. By building and maintaining this extremely important connection with their communities — by engaging with and supporting them — retailers will be seen as truly belonging to them.

Of course, nowadays, the scope of community has transformed and expanded. For retailers, it extends beyond internal teams and local neighborhoods, reaching national and international markets and online communities. While creating opportunities farther than ever before, this also makes modern communities more complex. Leaders who have the skills and experience necessary to build and strengthen these multifaceted communities will be invaluable to the success of a retail organization.

What do communities look like? How do retailers connect with them?

Internal communities include the team within a retail organization. Leaders can begin connecting with internal communities by setting the tone and vision. But true connection happens when every member contributes and there is a shared understanding of the type of community they are part of. For example, what kind of experience and sense of belonging should team members offer customers, both internal and external? Team members need to understand what is expected of them and how to properly engage with their external communities. They should also have a voice in how this is reflected in daily actions, both in the physical and online worlds.

External communities include existing and potential customers. These are residents and other businesses in the local area. They are members of the retailer’s loyalty program who want access to exclusive rewards and discounts. They are social media users interested in the retailer’s products or services or in the lifestyle it represents. Connecting with them means understanding them, engaging with them, and being seen as genuinely supporting them — ideally in a consistent way, so that the experience across all communities, including both the physical and virtual worlds, aligns.

How do retailers support their communities?

The key to truly standing in solidarity is recognizing how different communities define themselves and what their needs are. For example, in the past year, many retail customers have focused on their local community and have made conscious decisions to support small, locally owned businesses — to buy local products.

Why is community so important?

Relationships matter. People buy from people they know, like, and trust — people from their communities.

Retailers understand that a strong community foundation, whether internal or external, local or online, represents the soul and spirit of their business. Connecting with and supporting these communities is the key to success.

At Busy Brokers, we focus on your success and are proud to be part of your community. As specialists in the local real estate market, we understand the importance of creating and supporting strong communities.