Neighborhood market focuses on customer service.
“The idea arose when we were students. We were dissatisfied with our internships and, on a trip to London, we noticed that neighborhood markets, something we really enjoyed, were very developed there,” explains Daniel Drumond, a partner in the company. Coming from the countryside, where the culture of neighborhood markets is very strong, they observed that there were still many gaps here; “These aren't structured companies in that sense. We saw, then, that it would be a good opportunity,” he explains. The first unit was opened in the Moinhos de Vento neighborhood and, this year, a second unit was inaugurated in Jardim Europa.
Sebrae Agency - The personalized service, which allows for closer customer relationships, is a highlight of Mercado Brasco's management. Founded by three university students in 2013, the company has grown and is already considering new challenges. Its success story aligns with the principles of the "Buy from Small Businesses" Movement, an initiative launched by Sebrae this August aimed at strengthening businesses and the economies of the communities where they operate.
To realize their dream of owning their own business, the three entrepreneurs, still in college, found different concepts to explore a segment with great potential and stimulate small businesses. Partners Gabriel Drumond, Arthur Bolacell, and Honório Dias launched Mercado Brasco in Porto Alegre, based on the principle of differentiated service and closer customer relationships.
“The idea came about when we were students. We were dissatisfied with our internships and, on a trip to London, we noticed that neighborhood markets, something we really enjoyed, were very developed there,” explains Daniel Drumond. Coming from the countryside, where the culture of neighborhood markets is very strong, they observed that there were still many gaps here. “These aren't structured businesses in that sense. We saw, then, that it would be a good opportunity,” he explains. The first unit was opened in the Moinhos de Vento neighborhood and, this year, a second unit was inaugurated in Jardim Europa.
In Brasco's planning, the principle is to contract small businesses as suppliers, especially those located nearby. The justification lies, among other things, in guaranteeing the receipt of quality products, as there is no need for long hours of transportation. "We also value closer contact. We relate better this way, not to mention that small businesses often don't supply large chains, so we can get better prices," explains Drumond. The company hasn't stopped growing. The partners have been investing in team training for the future third Brasco Market location.
Small businesses are everywhere and are part of everyone's daily life. The market near your home, the stationery store, and the restaurant are some examples. They generate a large number of jobs and boost the economy, especially developing the localities where they are located. The Sebrae campaign has October 5th as its "D-Day," the date on which the Statute of Micro and Small Enterprises was established in 1999. In Rio Grande do Sul, activities are already planned.
As explained by Viviane Ferran, Manager of Individual Customer Service at Sebrae in Rio Grande do Sul, "the Movement aims to show the public the importance of buying from small businesses, as this generates employment in the surrounding area, improves people's quality of life, and boosts the economy." There are over 10 million formally registered businesses in Brazil, with annual revenues of no more than R$ 3,6 million per year. In the state, the number is 1,2 million establishments, responsible for generating 66% of jobs and contributing 33% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Five reasons to buy from small businesses
The movement works with five items that demonstrate the relevance of the initiative: there are always diverse businesses within reach; these ventures are often someone's first job opportunity (10 million micro and small businesses throughout Brazil, in addition to 5 million Individual Microentrepreneurs and 5,2 million rural producers); buying from a small business keeps the money in the neighborhood; they promote social development; and choosing a small business when making a purchase helps strengthen these segments and boosts the economy.
Viviane emphasizes that Sebrae's role with this initiative is also to guide entrepreneurs. “It's not enough to say that it's important to buy from small businesses; we want to help them become the best purchasing option. We organize training and consulting focused on aspects of management, internal space, customer service, and other issues, to attract and retain neighboring businesses,” she explains.