Before we moved to Port Stanley, our realtor told us that the village was, “its own ecosystem when it comes to real estate.” Having lived here for five years, I’d say there’s more about this village that’s particular to its atmosphere. Or perhaps it’s a lot like other villages that endure quiet winters and rely heavily on tourism.
As far as real estate goes, Port Stanley is currently in a similar boat as most of the province. It’s a buyer’s market and if you’re planning to sell, you need to be prepared to wait. A couple of neighbours sold at greatly reduced prices just to unload their properties so they could move. There are a couple of places available around town for less than $500,000 which would have been unheard of a few years ago.
Soon it will be Labour Day weekend, when the merchants hope to see lots of shoppers. After that, they’ll see the locals’ faces again, some for the first time since the spring. Ever since our first weekend living here, when Derek got caught in the melee of long weekend madness, we’re strategic about when we head into the village. If it’s madness we want, we know when to find it. (Long weekends, special event nights.) Otherwise, we wait for a quieter time.
Serious Business
I’ve joked my whole adult life that I collect stuff “for the retail store that I don’t have” I dream about opening a shop that has a creaky wooden floor and an old-fashioned bell on the door. It’s filled with all manner of old and repurposed stuff. But I’ve never done it. Just the overhead costs are enough to scare me. Opening a retail business seems like a gamble in the age of online shopping, although many of them do thrive while others struggle. Sure, we get loads of tourists, and the local population is certainly growing. But regardless, the basics of retail must be met. Parking. Affordability. Interest in the products.
It can’t be easy, especially when you do one thing, even if you do it well.
As summer slowly turns to fall, I think it’s my responsibility as a local to make the rounds of our stores. I bought an outfit for a recent wedding here, and all year round we try to buy what we need in the village – to a point. For example, we’ll get a couple of top-up grocery items locally and often, but a big grocery shop? I’m going where the prices are less “convenience store” and more “buy in bulk.” There’s a balance between personal finances and local support. Still, Derek is a regular at the Port Stanley Home Hardware and we do as much local shopping as we can.
It’s Definitely Not An Easy Life
It is difficult for retailers to make most of their money in the summer. Port Stanley’s visitors in spring and fall simply can’t compare to the hot beach days. But it’s disappointing when a merchant goes on our village’s (members only) Facebook page and sounds off about not getting enough traffic or another issue. It must be tempting and I’m empathetic. But I wish they’d resist. People’s memories are long and admonishment doesn’t win friends and influence people. Residents won’t be lectured into shopping at a certain store. (This is about more than one merchant. It’s not frequent, but it’s happened a few times.) It’s like any other shopping experience. We have free will.
We have seen several terrific businesses open and close since we’ve lived here. And yet some newer places also seem to be doing well. Grab n’ Go. Lake House Books. Littles Midnight Bakery. At least they SEEM to be doing well. They never let us see them sweat.
Focus on What You can Change
We were vendors in a terrific local maker’s market last month. (This is different from being a merchant, but stay with me!) It became clear at a certain point that we didn’t fit in. But that’s why you try things so you can figure it out. I said to Derek, “everyone has soft goods and our wares are all hard.” I meant that literally. Between racks of vintage clothing, fabric shoulder bags and backpacks, stacks of linen and lace, we were all metal and wood. I placed some faux flowers here and there to soften things up but still we stood out as an “other” in the big scheme.
Did we blame the market? Absolutely not. It was wonderful! We had lots of visitors and some sales and it was a great day. And it was so sunny and hot that the lemonade lady ran out of ice and lemons and had to close early. But we realized it simply wasn’t the right vibe for us. So, now we know.
Entrepreneurship Has Its Challenges
Opening a business is a far cry from running a market stall, of course. The investment in planning, time, and funds is huge. It has to be terribly disappointing when it doesn’t go as hoped. But that’s not something to put on customers. It will have the opposite effect. Just one interaction with a grumpy store employee is enough to make me flee forever. No second chances. We have choices and right now, with grocery and gas prices soaring, we are all pickier than ever. My expectations are reasonable. But it’s not reasonable to take on blame for a merchant’s problems.
If a visit to Port Stanley is in your plans, please take some time to browse. Forever Festive, the Firehall Market, Drift, From the Land, Harbour Merchant, and so many more. Our many long running shops and restaurants as well as the newbies are all happy to have you. And even we non-merchant locals are grateful for your visit.
Lisa, have you tried your local Farmers market for cauliflower, the market in Milton has had them for sale the last couple of weeks.
We have a couple of markets here but neither one gets cauliflower. Ever! I end up going into St..Thomas for Ontario-grown cauliflower .Fortunately, it’s not very far.
We are seasonal people near Paisley Ontario and I often wonder how the shops and restaurants survive from October to April. Most do and some don’t. Stores should have a niche item that locals won’t drive a 1/2 hour to get. Bread, milk and butter are staples and shouldn’t be so overpriced that it’s worth the trip out of town. A book or movie exchange might get people into your store. Winter is long in small towns and roads close. Making sure your space appeals to visitors and locals would be one of the keys to survival.
Absolutely, Deborah. Thanks.
Until in retirement and moving back to London,I lived in a small town, and over 37 years I was able to witness what allows a small ,or not so small, business to succeed. Yes,you have to some significant competition from the prices city stores offer, but convenience and currently gas prices give you pause to weigh what that trip to civilization really costs. My friends owned the hardware. Although their hours weren’t 24/7, they may as well have been.A small community,especially a farming community doesn’t hesitate to call you at 5am when a pipe has frozen in the barn, or a sump pump quits. Sunday,evenings, early mornings, all fair game.Apparently, it’s also ok to hit them up for a door prize everytime there’s a fundraiser, charity raffle,stag and doe or school bazaar. Try turning down those requests and see how long it takes your business to get the stink eye.Their customer loyalty depends on their compliance it seems.
I agree that it’s not guilt well placed to condemn anyone for shopping price, especially in these economic times, that is your right. Just don’t then expect the small retailer in your village to cough up when you want a freebie.As a talent, I don’t have to describe to you the pitch that” it will give you great exposure” does in support of your mortgage payment. A negative interaction in a store definitely leaves a lasting impression, and your reputation demands you put your best foot forward dealing with the public. If only that same mantel of conduct applied to demanding, impatient customers who are hyper focused on themselves, and left their manners on the sidewalk.
Through Covid, restricted from working at my usual employment, I worked for the village bakery, convenience store. It was a tough time thanks to mask wearing and distance keeping for customers and merchants. It was a big eye opener for me that all it took was me standing behind a counter to alter the way neighbours I’d known for decades treated me and especially the younger staff with rudeness and disrespect.
As always, there’s two sides to every situation, so please give a bad experience a second try. All restaurant reviewers do that as every place has a “ bad night”.
I hope all small retailers survive the current challenge they face, especially the influences beyond their control.In business these days it seems, if you want want to end up with a small fortune, start with a big one.
What kind of market WOULD you fit into? What would be the ideal platform for Lisa’s Pieces? And you’re about fleeing the store — I give a store exactly ONE visit to impress me. Life’s too short.