Marketing Help for Small Businesses in Boston

Help is on the way for small businesses in the Greater Boston area looking for marketing services like those offered to big companies but in a more affordable and customer-friendly way. A new PRstore is now open at 612 Washington Street in Newton (across from Whole Foods).

The emerging national franchise specializes in providing affordable marketing services to small businesses in a retail-like walk-in environment. The services include the writing and production of a full array of marketing materials ranging from brochures to newsletters, web sites, mailers, rack cards and other products.

PRstore also provides press release services, media placement, logo development, radio and TV commercials and offers a variety of specialty advertising products for imprinting. All are offered on a menu-driven basis under the PRstore slogan "Wha Cha Need?"

The PRstore in Newton is owned by Needham native Paul Bennotti. Bennotti recently returned to his home state after 20 years in New York City working in marketing positions with BASF Corporation and Interface, Inc.

"I chose the PRstore franchise concept not only because it fits my talents and skills, but because it gives me an opportunity to give back to the community by helping small business owners become more successful," Bennotti said. "This area is known as a national leader in entrepreneurial ventures. All of these businesses need help in meeting the challenges of successful marketing."

The Newton store joins more than 20 existing PRstore franchise units in 13 states, including North Carolina, Michigan, Ohio, California, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Idaho, Nebraska, Oregon and Washington. The emerging nationwide franchise network is eventually expected to number more than 350 stores in all 50 states.

PRstore's retail units are supported by DesignCentral, a centralized staff of designers, copywriters, promotions specialists and printing coordinators who serve as the behind-the-scenes workforce for all PRstore locations.

Launched in 2001 in Charlotte, PRstore brings the traditional ad agency and public relations firm from behind obscure office walls to the visibility of the street. As a walk-in, retail store, PRstore opens its doors to every business with a marketing need but places special focus on providing marketing support to the country's small businesses.

PRstore's emphasis is on convenience, ease of access, affordability, and the availability of marketing products purchased by customers who know what they need or who can be guided by PRstore's professional sales staff.

In more than two decades of first-hand experience as agency owners, PRstore's founders concluded there is little room for the small business owner in the traditional agency structure -- and little interest among agencies in having these businesses as clients.

PRstore solves this problem by bringing to a friendly, retail environment the same professional marketing services that have traditionally been available almost exclusively through formal and often costly arrangements with full-service marketing agencies. Operated by experienced professionals, each PRstore offers a full spectrum of services -- from consulting to concept development to writing and design -- to help clients get their message across effectively and affordably.

Experienced marketing professionals are available in the PRstore's casual, walk-in setting to guide customers who may be unsure about how to maximize their marketing dollars. Rounding out its offerings, the PRstore also carries a full range of specialty advertising items that can be imprinted with a company logo.

Additional information is available at the company's web site, http://www.prstore.com.