retail Archives | Voice of Lisa Brandt

Our booth set up with a grey tent with a back wall, a long table at the back with a blue tablecloth and various tables with merch on them.

ImPort Stanley – Small Town Retail’s Not for the Weak

September 4, 2026 / 6 Comments / DIY, General, ImPort Stanley, Lisa's Pieces, Personal Life, Photography, Social Marketing

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.

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ImPort Stanley – Small Town Retail’s Not for the Weak Read More »

closeup of the colours in the HBC wool blanket. Stripes of green, red, yellow, and black.

Bye Bye HBC

June 3, 2025 / 2 Comments / Personal Life, Social Marketing

Last week, we popped into the Bay at Masonville in London. I wanted to see for myself what the end of a 355-year history looked like.

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Bye Bye HBC Read More »

the lift bridge rises to allow a boat to pass beneath it

City Conveniences Don’t Belong – ImPort Stanley

July 15, 2022 / 3 Comments / Animals, ImPort Stanley, Personal Life, Photography

An occasional visitor to Port Stanley recently posted on the village Facebook page one simple question: “Can anyone tell me why Port Stanley doesn’t have a Tim Hortons?”

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City Conveniences Don’t Belong – ImPort StanleyRead More »

City Conveniences Don’t Belong – ImPort Stanley Read More »

How Sweet It Is – Import Stanley

May 27, 2022 / 1 Comment / ImPort Stanley, Photography, Social Marketing, Travel

ImPort Stanley is weekly series about life and discoveries by a recent “import” to Port Stanley, ON. Access previous posts on everything from shopping to hotels and our beaches by clicking the tag ImPort Stanley.

Candy, and cheesecake, and flowers – oh my!

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How Sweet It Is – Import StanleyRead More »

How Sweet It Is – Import Stanley Read More »

Retail Therapy

August 6, 2019 / 2 Comments / General, Reviews

I shopped like I was training for the Olympics when I was a teen. With a girlfriend or two, or my Mom, I could make a day of a trip to Eastgate Square in Hamilton. Back then, there were other great places to visit nearby including Boo-Boo’s (the latest denim with minor flaws) and Mother’s Pizza for lunch. (“Pick your Mother’s up or we’ll run her over!”)

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Retail Therapy Read More »

scan as you shop gizmo attached to the handle of a shopping cart

The future is always beginning now ~Mark Strand.

April 13, 2018 / 2 Comments / General, Personal Life, Photography, Working

While I check out my items at the grocery store, I can’t help but think about the last time I went through a cashier’s lane. We exchanged the usual pleasantries. She asked how I was. I responded, fine, how are you. And then she launched into the reasons why she shouldn’t be there. It wasn’t her shift. Someone called in sick and she was summoned at the last minute. She was really tired. …

The future is always beginning now ~Mark Strand.Read More »

The future is always beginning now ~Mark Strand. Read More »

Poly Wants a Freebie

April 10, 2018 / Leave a Comment / DIY, Personal Life, Photography

The question I asked myself was, where can I buy a can of turkey gravy and a container of PolyFilla? I’m very tired and must get home to nap so this magical place must not be out of my way. Only one store came to mind: Walmart. …

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Poly Wants a Freebie Read More »

Trendy Shopping Habits

February 22, 2017 / 4 Comments / General, Potpourri

I play a little game on the weekends. How few stops can I make in order to complete all of my errands? This isn’t an original game. I didn’t invent it. It’s probably called, Being a Human on the Weekend. But I’m noticing a change in how the game is played. …

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Trendy Shopping Habits Read More »

The Best Times to Shop

August 26, 2016 / General

While we’re on vacation, I’m reposting some of my favourite blog posts of the past.

I know, I know, there are some people who would say “Never!” But Smart Money in the US claims to reveal the best times to buy certain items. They claim it also translates to Canadian retailers, so let’s give it a look, shall we? …

The Best Times to ShopRead More »

The Best Times to Shop Read More »

Time Passages

July 15, 2015 / 1 Comment / Personal Life, Working

My number one pet peeve, over even the misuse of the apostrophe and coworkers putting delicate glasses on the bottom rack of the work dishwasher, is the way merchants conspire to rush time. …

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Time Passages Read More »

Eavesdropping on my Life

July 18, 2013 / Personal Life, Working

Saturday’s balloon ride required us to get up around 4:30 am so we could make it to the other end of the city for 5:30 am. This wasn’t too far from our regular weekday routine except that we couldn’t have much coffee because we didn’t want to go up with full bladders. By the time we made it back to our vehicle it was about 9:30 am. …

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Eavesdropping on my Life Read More »

I Wish Him a Beautiful Bankruptcy

May 9, 2013 / General

Once, I nearly bought my step-daughter a gift card for Abercrombie and Fitch. As of this moment that company is off my radar forever more, and here is why. …

I Wish Him a Beautiful BankruptcyRead More »

I Wish Him a Beautiful Bankruptcy Read More »

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