As downtown Lansing prepares for the holidays, small businesses like Summit Comics and Games are finding ways to stand out against major retailers.
- Summit Comics uses personal customer service to compete with big retailers during holidays
- Staff build relationships with regular customers and know their preferences
- Shopping local keeps money in the community and supports downtown Lansing
WATCH: Lansing comic shop offers personal service over big box stores
Marcus Embry, interim manager at Summit Comics and Games, said the local shop sells comic books, board games and action figures. While big box stores offer holiday deals, he believes small businesses have a competitive advantage.
"It's all about the customer service. Like when people feel welcome, when they know that you like having them in your store, then they'll come back," Embry said.
The shop's smaller size allows staff to build relationships with customers and understand their preferences, according to Embry.
"A lot of regulars, and we make sure that we keep them in mind. Once we know somebody well enough to know their likes and dislikes, we make sure we can gear toward what they need," Embry said.
Summit Comics will offer its own Black Friday deals, including new book releases. Embry emphasized that shopping local benefits the community beyond the holiday season.
"When money stays in your community, it builds your community. Ultimately, anything that I can find amongst the people who live around me and know that that's coming back to my community - it's a point of personal pride," Embry said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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