Saturday, January 12, 2013




With Christmas and New Years behind us we  move into familiar territory. Last winter, being our first in a new small business, we were naive to the fact of life that and business slows down. It's winter, it's cold and it's just plain difficult to move around. that being said it can be a difficult financial time for any business, especially downtown as we are always trying to motivate people to shop local (and there are lots of local business's that are outside of downtown). I am just as guilty as the next guy (or girl) and spent my shopping life in the big box store and through my drive thru window. it's just easier, especially in the winter. But the common factor every time is quality and service. the 2 things that we want almost every time we go somewhere. Blah, Blah, Blah, we've heard it all before, so I'll just move on and give you a tiny list of small locally owned business's that would love some support, especially in January and February.

Keeping in mind that this list could be a mile long but i will keep it short so you get a sample of the enthusiastic owners who bring their passion and creativity, not to mention that most small business owners are crazy and live on the edge everyday!


Chocolates by Bernard Callebaut - At first glance you would think this is a chain store (it is not) because we all know Bernard, but just go in sometime and meet B.J. and you will never buy chocolate anywhere else again. Honestly I don't buy chocolate very often, much to my wife's disappointment, but I really wouldn't go anywhere else. B.J. , or Cocolady, as she's known, is crazy ambitious, super friendly and just plain good at what she does. never mind the hours she puts into her shop puts me to shame. Check her out at Cocolady.ca








Alberta Art and Drafting - I love going into this store because I'm kind of a Stationary/Art supplies addict, even though I can't draw to save my life. The quality of the products they have are awesome and who doesn't love to buy an awesome new pen or Journal. My son Jesse just bought an awesome journal!  Check them out at Albertaart.com









There are many coffee shops downtown including City Roast, Cafe Noir, Quenched just to name a few. The newest member downtown, besides us, is Dose Coffee and Love. Besides great coffee they have a really funky lunch menu and soon they will have their own storefront. I haven't been in yet but the pics on Facebook look great. Besides, who doesn't love a locally owned coffee shop?  Can you imagine that in your first year you move to a new location and renovate twice!?  You can imagine that Rolland and Alison are passionate about coffee and obviously a little crazy, like the rest of us :-)

 Check them out at www.facebook.com/DOSEcoffee





Everyday I meet a new small business owner and I am reassured that it can be done and be successful.
Now I just have to figure out a way to put a bus on every corner in town...... Nah!


Kevin












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