Debbie Schaeffer, CEO of Mrs. G TV, Appliances & Sleep Center, Nominated for “America's Retail Champion” Award

(LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ): A lot has changed in retail since Debbie Schaeffer assumed the helm of her grandparents' appliance business, Mrs. G TV & Appliances, in 2001. For one thing, Schaeffer has become a crusader for Main Street merchants’ rights while attending to customers and designers at her Lawrenceville, NJ store.

"When I became CEO, we didn't have e-commerce," commented Schaeffer. "The big box chains were our only real competitors, but now the tax loophole that online-only retailers use to their competitive advantage is the biggest threat to Main Street businesses.  As I get ready to celebrate Mrs. G’s 79th year in business, I have seen what needs to be done and what is missing in terms of a representative voice where it matters most."

Community is also what matters. As a local business woman, Schaeffer carried on her grandparents' philosophy of taking care of the customer and giving back to the community. As a business leader, she has been actively campaigning for fair tax rights for Main Street merchants, her retail community. With the help of John Holub, President of the New Jersey Retail Merchant Association and The National Retail Federation (NRF), Schaeffer has made inroads with lawmakers both at the state and federal level. Her annual attendance at NRF’s Retail Advocates Summit in Washington allows her to join retailers from around the country to focus on key issues that will impact retail’s future.  This year, when Schaeffer travels to Washington on July 29th, she will do so as a nominee for "America's Retail Champion" for her tireless work.

The National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. The Retail Advocate Summit was a grass-roots advocacy program started by the NRF to allow the powerful voice of the small business owner to be heard.

"Debbie is a tireless advocate for independent retailers in New Jersey and the entire country,” added Holub.  “Thanks to her efforts like hers, we are on the verge of cracking the dysfunction in Washington and bringing sales tax fairness to fruition. "

This isn't the first time that Schaeffer has used her influence for the betterment of her retail colleagues. She regularly hosts professional events to educate and inform on the rights and needs of independent retailers. She is also the co-chair of the Independent Business Alliance with the Princeton Chamber of Commerce whose mission is to promote local independent businesses and facilitate networking and education with a focus on developing growth strategies for independent businesses in the Princeton Region. Most recently she was elected as vice chair of the New Jersey Retailer Merchants Association, where she is working with John Holub to encourage more independent NJ retailers to join the NJRMA.  At the end of the day however, for Schaeffer, it's all about community, fairness, and love for what you do.

"The Main Street retailer is a vital part of the growth of our local economies," added Schaeffer. "Our community matters and we will re-invest on average 65% of our revenue back into the community in order to help them thrive in the arts, children's programs, annual events, and more. Not only that, but we help create jobs. Everything Main Street retailers do is cyclical to the health of the local community and we need a level playing field in order to keep doing what we love." 

For more information about Mrs. G TV, Appliances & Sleep Center, visit www.mrsgs.com, or drop in to their new location next to Worldwide Wholesale Flooring on Business Route One just south of Route 295/95. To contact Debbie Schaeffer email Debbie@mrsgs.com or call 609-882-1444.

About Mrs. G TV, Appliances & Sleep Center

Mrs. G TV, Appliances, & Sleep Center is a 3rd Generation family owned Retail Appliance and TV super store that has an outstanding reputation in New Jersey and Pennsylvania celebrating 79 years in business. Mrs. G’s is based in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. It is conveniently located at its new location next to Worldwide Wholesale Flooring on Business Route One just south of 295/95. Mrs. G’s displays more than 70 brands of home appliances, TV and plumbing fixtures, and bedding, including Sub-Zero, Miele, Viking, Thermador, GE, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Sony, Samsung, Serta, and so much more. Mrs. G’s delivers to New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New York City.