Summit-Based Tech Company To Show Off NJ Businesses On ABC

SUMMIT, NJ — Summit-based tech company Beyond Main is helping Montclair businesses spread the word to shop local this coming Saturday with a feature on WABC 7.

Beyond Main is an online “shop local” e-commerce platform. The platform is gathering local business owners to be featured in a new TV and video series, Downtowns of New Jersey that will air on WABC 7 Localish for Small Business Saturday. The episode will highlight the uniqueness of Montclair Center and showcase its diverse small business owners.

“Our downtowns are the heart of our communities, and the businesses are the soul. Without these dedicated entrepreneurs filling our streets with culture, connection, and access to expert curated goods and services, our neighborhoods would struggle to thrive. They would struggle to maintain property values, to attract and retain population counts, and to adequately support its residents through public services,” said Beyond Main’s founder, Kate Giovambattista.

Beyond Main teamed up with Emmy winning videographer, creator, and producer, Alan Goldsher to highlight the stores and stories of Beyond Main businesses and communities. Alan was looking to venture out of NYC to find the hidden gems across the river in NJ.

Having previously lived in Montclair, Alan was eager to showcase this diverse and vibrant community with the collaboration of Beyond Main and the Montclair Center Business Improvement District (BID). Their shared goal, help small brick and mortar businesses leverage e-commerce using content video marketing.

The episode is hosted by one of Montclair Center’s small business owners, Danielle DeAngelo, Co-founder of Jane Do, a women’s boutique fitness studio. Danielle takes viewers on a tour of downtown Montclair and some of its fascinating places to shop. Discover the best kicks at Shoe Sector, gifts to make you giggle at White Rabbit Black Heart, and floor to ceiling fun at Just Kidding Around. Find the perfect outfit from up-and-coming designers at Monty, uncover an eclectic mix of local makers at The Eclectic Chic Boutique, explore items to improve your mindset and home at Culture Couture, and take a fitness class from a former Radio City Rockette at Jane Do.

During the pandemic lockdowns of 2020, Montclair Center partnered with Beyond Main to launch an online marketplace.

“We are proud to bring our energetic and exciting businesses a convenient online platform,” said Jason Gleason, Executive Director of the Montclair Center BID. “Our community prides itself on its creativity, and we are delighted to work with Beyond Main on this innovative marketplace.”

Beyond Main allows businesses to offer easy fulfillment methods, including buy online, pick-up in-store, curbside pick up, local delivery, and shipping. Local gift cards can be purchased through the site and used at any one, or combination, of the participating businesses making it a great gifting option. Shoppers and visitors can now make purchases from multiple Montclair Center businesses using a convenient, consolidated checkout process on the Beyond Main site making it easier than ever to shop your values and support the trusted local businesses that make your community special and unique.

“Montclair is a thriving business district and we couldn’t be more proud of this partnership,” says Kate Giovambattista, Beyond Main’s Founder. Kate continues, “We are facing the realities of the aftermath of COVID, where one in five small businesses closed in 2020 and third- party e-commerce giants continued to grow. When you shop locally, 50% of every dollar stays in the community compared to just 1% when you buy from large e-commerce. Montclair Center BID is leading the way in giving back to the business community and laying the foundation for neighbors and visitors to shop alternatively and let their purchase make a greater impact in the place they live and love.”