6 Ways to Compete With Big-Box Retailers

3. Find out what you do best and let consumers know it. Why should someone do business with you instead of the competition? Outside of great customer service and the different goods you sell, is there one thing that really separates you from the competition?

4. Be active in your community. Be visible. For example, some of my Ace Hardware clients allow kids fundraising to sell their candy bars and cookies outside of their store on Saturdays, endearing themselves to the community. And this doesn't have to be the local community. A company's market defines the scope of the community, which can be local, national and even international.