MerchantCircle launches B2B solution for local marketers

When the economy turns, local businesses are usually the hardest hit. Because local stores can't compete with big-box store discounts or because many of their suppliers simply go out of business, it is important to keep those communication lines open. To help local businesses through, MerchantCircle has launched a B2B solution which connects local businesses with national brands.

by Kristina Knight

Through the newly launched MerchantCircle Marketplace, local businesses can network with Fortune 500 companies to purchase products at a discount; this allows them to pass savings along to their customers. Business owners can also receive special offers from select businesses.

"It's a difficult time to be a business owner right now with the down economy," said Darren Waddell, Vice President of Marketing, MerchantCircle. "Consumers are reluctant to spend, gas prices are going up and business costs continue to rise. That's why we want to help business owners, not only to find new customers, but also to cut their business costs."

The Marketplace gives local businesses in their network, currently more than a half-million strong, access to national brands. National brands also benefit because they can pick up new B2B clients, thereby securing their niche in the marketplace as well.