If you don't have time to read this entire article, then I will tell you right now. The best way to advertise in Charlotte is on local radio.

A vital function of advertising is to build mental availability, which nudges a consumer toward the purchase of a product or service. It also serves to provide public notice that a product or service exists and is available for purchase.

Consumers in the Charlotte area are expected to spend at least $50 billion at retail this year. To claim a greater share of this giant pool of cash requires local business owners of every size to advertise their goods and services. As Professor Jef Richards at Michigan State University points out, “Advertising is totally unnecessary…unless you want to make money."

It's time to set some misguided North Carolina small business owners straight: When we say everybody listens to Charlotte radio stations, we mean everybody.  Generations X, Y, and Z. Also, Boomers, and, yes, the millennial generation.

You know...millennials. Those are the "kids" who came of age at the turn of the millennium (which is, debatably, either 2000 or 2001).  This means 18-34-year-olds. 

In the greater Charlotte area, 628,000  millennials make-up 29% of the adult population and will deliver $16.5 billion to local cash registers.

But here's the thing about millennials that many local small business owners get wrong: millennials listen to the radio.  Almost all of them...85.6% of them, to be exact.

For Charlotte area business owners who depend on Valentine's Day to spike first-quarter sales, this year could be a battle as the decline in celebrants is expected to continue.

Based on estimates from the National Retail Federation, 1.3 million Charlotte consumers will be participating in the holiday this year. This is 20% fewer than ten years ago.

There is good news, however, for Charlotte  area business owners. Although there are will be fewer customers, local Valentine's Day spending is expected to grow to $215-million. This is 28% higher than a decade ago.

So, how does a local retailer or restaurant win the battle for the hearts and wallets of romantic consumers?  Advertising is a necessary weapon to win this war.

No weapon is as potent as advertising on Charlotte radio.