![[5/14 18] This Week in Small Business News photo](http://blog.swipelyworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/small-business-news.gif "small business news photo")
This week in small business news, local businesses prove that fair trade is profitable, 100 inner city businesses make millions, some tips for being Google-friendly all the time, a look at the state of retail sales this season, and some thoughts on how to say no to customer suggestions. Continue reading
The rise of today’s e-tailers is not without a great email marketing strategy. Customers see new products and sales in their inbox every morning and are enticed to keep visiting the website. This is not unlike local email marketing at your brick and mortar store or restaurant, where a good email marketing list can keep customers coming back into the store, or at least keep them paying attention. 
![[Interview] Meet Chef Michelle Poteaux of Bastille photo](http://blog.swipelyworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Screen-shot-2012-05-06-at-6.25.48-PM-269x300.png "Chef Michelle Poteaux photo")
We recently caught up with Michelle Poteaux, co-owner and chef at 
About Swipely
At Swipely, we help local merchants bring customers back with a loyalty program that rewards customers.
One way that Swipely will help local merchants is right here on this blog. We’ll be sharing valuable tips on the challenges local merchants face – like boosting loyalty, using social media, or finding capital to grow a business.
- Angus Davis, Swipely Founder & CEO
Learn more about Swipely for local merchants.
