Little Hidden Discount Stores: The Entrepreneurial Spirit is Alive in Downtown Escanaba!

K Flipperz Discount Store

Inflation is a growing concern, and so are the rising prices that come with it. Sometimes, we simply have to absorb the cost increases. Other times, we can make adjustments to how we spend. Many of us—including myself—waste a surprising amount of money on things we don’t really need. But with a change in shopping habits, we can often find the same things we enjoy for a fraction of the price. 

Ever tried a discount store?

I have—and there's no shame in it. Many people live outside the upper tiers of society, without constant access to luxury goods or opportunities that create wealth. Some of us have experienced poverty, some abundance, and many of us live somewhere in between. Every purchase is a choice, and often, spending in one area means cutting back in another.

Recently, I spotted a small store that caught my eye. If you haven’t heard, Escanaba is becoming a hotspot for investment—both from outsiders and from locals. This particular store appears to be locally owned, and it’s one of the cleanest, most well-organized discount stores I’ve come across in a while, offering great deals in the process.

It’s a sign that the entrepreneurial spirit is starting to thrive in Escanaba, bucking broader economic trends. Escanaba Downtown

A Yooper shopping
representing Escanaba Downtown shopping

This opens the door to a larger conversation about supporting homegrown businesses and industries. Fostering entrepreneurship is vital—it not only fuels local economies but also inspires motivation and engagement. Studies have shown that entrepreneurial motivation plays a major role in business participation and long-term success.

One way to support local entrepreneurs is by shopping at their businesses and spreading the word. Another idea could be forming a local business group— Escanaba Development Authority—to help coordinate strategies, share resources, and offer guidance to new ventures. 

We can help small businesses and startups to succeed through motivation, belief, knowledge, resources, opportunity, location, and structured guidance. These factors can dramatically increase their chances of success and help our community thrive in the process.

K Flipperz Discount Store

Emerging Markets, Entrepreneurial Spirit and Self-Efficacy

*A local tip: I bought 24 oz of ground coffee and a few other 12 oz coffee for $4 the other day. Some bags left. Coffee is like $10 for 12 oz in most places. I loaded up!