SPRINGFIELD, N.J. -- New Jersey's Asian American Retailers Association (AARA) came into existence only six months ago, but it has already developed a following among the state's 5,000 independent store owners, according to Prashant Desai, secretary of the Springfield, N.J.-based association. The fledgling AARA hosted more than 1,100 of those retailers at its first tradeshow at the Hilton Convention Center in Atlantic City, N.J., earlier this month.
[The event] gave our members the chance to benefit from group purchases, incentives and networking opportunities, [image-nocss] Desai told CSP Daily News. For the [vendors], it gave them a great opportunity to understand what independent retailers need. A lot of independent store owners can't put a lot of time [toward finding new programs] because they put so much time into the store. And the whole industry is changing around them, so they need someone to help them.
Despite the association's name and the fact that the bulk of its membership consists of retailers of Indian descent, any independent retailer with a cigarette license in the state of New Jersey can become a member, according to Desai, who operates a Krauszer's convenience store in the central part of the state.
Created to protect, promote and further the interests of its retailer members, AARA said it is the largest growing association of its kind. Members include owners of convenience stores, gas stations, liquor stores and pharmacies. AARA uses its purchasing power to help members become more profitable and works to develop favorable policies on issues that influence how retailers do business.
For example, the association is fighting the recently proposed increase in New Jersey cigarette taxes. If the proposal should pass, it would push the tax to the highest in the nation, from $2.40currently the second-highest in the nation to Rhode Island's $2.46to $3 per pack. A $3 state tax would raise the price of a brand-name pack of cigarettes in New Jersey to about $6.60.
AARA retailers pay dues of $100 per year for membership, which offers benefits including group discounts on merchandising programs from key manufacturers and wholesalers, one-to-one networking opportunities and other means of support. The association is also in the process of developing insurance and health-care programs for members.
As independent store owners, we've never had a voice, Desai said. The biggest challenge for these retailers comes from gaining access to new products, services and programs in a timely fashion. In a convenience store, new products come out every month, and we only have a few months' window to know if it's going to work in our stores. Retailers need to capitalize on opportunities more quickly, and we think AARA can offer some assistance in this area.
AARA has already begun to plan its next event, which is scheduled for September in central New Jersey, most likely in the Edison-Woodbridge area. More information is available by visiting the association's website at www.aarausa.com.
[Pictured: AARA leadership gathers for ribbon cutting ceremony to begin the 1st AARA Tradeshow: (l to r) Jasal Amin, executive vice president; H.R. Shah, board of trustees; Bipin Patel, president; and Dilip Patel, vice president.]
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