For some local businesses, this holiday season saw numbers similar to previous years, with more customers turning to local shops to get the most out of their dollar.
“It was good for us, good for a retailer, and I think it showed that some people still have some money in their pockets,” explained Robert Tilson, front store manager at Tellier’s Guardian Pharmacy. “They were just trying to make it cover (more), or spread it out a little bit more. Trying to get into the hearts and minds of people is difficult, that was something I think was a bit more noticeable.”
Manager of Warehouse One in Bonnyville, Christine Pearson agreed.
“People were watching their money. Definitely trying to make the best deal that they could,” she stressed.
Pearson noted that while their sales were down slightly from last year, their store had more customers coming through their doors.
“This month compared to last, we’ve had a lot more traffic, as well as this year compared to last year. We have about a three per cent (increase) in traffic,” she detailed.
Also seeing a spike in visitors over the Christmas season was Puur Athletics. in Cold Lake Owner Jennifer Grey contributed their increase in shoppers to the fact that more people simply know about the store.
“We’ve grown so much, so of course we’re still seeing trends being a new business. As far as selling more over last year, absolutely.”
While the economic climate isn’t ideal for local businesses, the Canada Post strike may have helped encourage families to look closer to home when they were shopping over the holidays.
“As frustrating as (the strike) was, I would have to say it was a benefit to some businesses,” expressed Serina Parsons, executive director for the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce. “It’s not something that we want to see happen... but, I know it made a lot of people think twice about where they were going to spend their dollars... They had to go out and go into the doors of our local shops.”
Grey added, “I think a lot of people were panicked about whether or not things were even going to arrive, so I think there was more local shopping in general, at least, I hope there was.”
Mitch Sylvestre, owner of Sylvestre Source for Sports in Bonnyville, said the strike helped his store tremendously.
“Normally we get ups and downs and spikes... but this Christmas was pretty steady... When they announced (in December) that they weren’t guaranteeing Christmas deliveries on internet sales, that really helped us a ton,” he expressed.
For retail establishments, the Christmas season is typically their busiest.
“As a retailer, you’re always looking to put a few more dollars through your tills. It’s the one time of the year, the six to eight weeks leading up to the end of November and December, where retailers or independent retailer owners make or break a year from them,” Tilson explained. “You’re always looking for positive trends, always looking for the right items to sell so the consumers out there can enjoy their shopping experience.”
Ensuring customers continue to support local business is crucial for store owners.
“Shopping local is huge, and I don’t think a lot of people understand how big it is... There are a lot of great stores that people aren’t really giving a chance... I think shopping locally is what’s going to keep us going. In these times, we should be supporting one another,” stated Grey.
Parsons added, “People don’t realize that we have a lot of resources in our area... We can get a lot in our area, you don’t have to go to the city to find that special something for that special someone.”
