The late show: The effects of after-hours accessibility on the performance of small retailers

How should small retailers best leverage their limited resources for maximum effect? This question is addressed as it concerns small store hours of operation. Drawing on niche theory, the strategy of extraordinary accessibility as a source of competitive advantage uniquely available to small firms is advanced. Results have been reported from a study of the hours of operations of over 300 small community hardware stores. What the findings mean for small retailers facing the prospect of competing alongside giant scale-advantage firms is also discussed.