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V O L . X X I I I N O. X I I I J U N E 1 2 , 2 0 1 7 20 S M A L L B U S I N E S S F O C U S at's why she considers events and other eff orts, like social-media marketing, to be impor- tant ways to expand awareness of the shop, both to locals and visitors. Working on a shoestring budget from the beginning, the events are intended both to draw more local-customer traffi c and expand the customer base to include more visiting shop- pers. With Nikitina in the lead, their social-media marketing averages three posts per day, mostly featuring new products: e store now has 2,335 Instagram followers, as well as Facebook and Twitter followers. "I went into that thinking, 'No way, we've got to do print ads,'" Cronin recalls. "So I'm shocked how any people come in and say, 'We saw you on Instagram' or 'We saw your Facebook post.' It's so powerful." Connor at New Beginnings says that retailers sit back and wait for potential customers. "How many times do we get asked, 'How long have you been here?'" she says. "It's almost a daily question. And this store has been here eight years. Vistors say, 'We've come to Freeport for eight years and we never noticed you.'" "It's an issue," agrees McBride. "People fi nd their parking space and L.L.Bean is the magnet." Ultimately, though, everyone agrees that there's a synergy between the outlets and the small busi- nesses that pays off . "We all benefi t from L.L.Bean on Main Street: It's an anchor to the Freeport community," says Connor. » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E Financing that fuels progress for all. Local lender and national leader in rural business development To work with us or apply for a loan, call 207-504-5900 or visit CEI has committed millions of dollars to growing good jobs, supporting environmental sustainability and creating shared prosperity in Maine and across the country since 1977. P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Ann Marie Connor, owner of New Beginnings Consignment Boutique, which has been in Freeport eight years. Knowing where you can dig around buried utilities is good safety and smart. When it comes to cutting concrete, the same applies. Knowing where you can cut concrete, and more importantly not cut concrete, is also smart and can cut concrete, is also smart and can save you thousands of dollars — and countless hours — on your next project. • Electronic Locating • Concrete Scanning • Ground Penetrating Radar WE KEEP WORK AREAS SAFE To learn more about who has the expertise and equipment to help you safely dig and cut, visit digsmartofmaine.com or call Glen at 207.749.7231 www.digsmartofmaine.com REBAR RADIANT HEAT PIPES CLEAR BULLSEYE FOR CORING Private Utility Locating