Local business owners return from ‘Destination Bootcamp’

Clarendon’s Bill and Deanna Cornell, owners of Cornell’s Country Store, returned recently from a Colorado-based business improvement “Destination BootCamp”, where they learned hundreds of new methods to bring more customers and tourists to Clarendon’s own Cornell’s Country Store. The Cornells were among a group of business owners from across North America who attended the two and one-half day, 20-hour workshop.

Cornell’s Country Store is the first Western Wear store in the Texas Panhandle to ever attend the Destination BootCamp.

Cornell’s Country Store and www.CornellsCountryStore.com cater to the fashion forward who are looking for a great selection of contemporary and authentic Western wear, boots, and accessories. They place an emphasis on an enjoyable shopping experience and excellent customer service.

The two and one-half day “Destination BootCamp”, created by marketing consultant Jon Schallert, teaches independent business owners on how to reposition their businesses as “consumer destinations”. According to Schallert, a business using his “Destination Business” strategies can compete effectively with the superstores and significantly impact a local community. According to Schallert, it is not uncommon for destination businesses to create change in an entire city, by drawing consumers from miles around, from outside the immediate marketplace of a community.

“With the principles we learned at the BootCamp, we will be able to satisfy more of our customers’ needs and make purchasing Western wear and boots a much more enjoyable, fun experience. Additionally, we will be attracting more visitors and tourists from outside Clarendon,” says Cornell. “With what we’ve learned, there’s no reason we can’t attract contemporary Western shoppers from miles away.”

Cornell Feed began in 1999 behind C.W. Cornell’s service station in a small garage building only selling Purina feed at the time. In 2000, Cornell was approached by Purina and asked to consider enlarging the business substantially. Property was appropriated and a new 6,000 square foot metal building was erected. The new store, renamed Cornell’s Country Store opened at 903 E Hwy 287 in November 2001.

Schallert’s Destination Business BootCamp is held in Colorado three times annually. Schallert has worked with independent business owners since 1983, speaks to thousands every year, and is the President of The Schallert Group., Inc., Longmont, Colorado. One newspaper called Schallert “the marketing guru rooting for the retail underdogs”. Business owners interested in attending may contact Bill or Deanna Cornell at 806 874 6773 and get more information on their BootCamp experience, or one can visit Schallert’s website at www.DestinationBootCamp.com.