Let’s be honest - it’s a strange time, isn’t it? The ground feels a bit shaky beneath our feet, while the future appears hazy and uncertain. It’s hard to know where brick-and-mortar shops will stand once the dust settles. Our personal take? Mom and pop shops will weather this storm just like they have in the past. From economic downturns to online shopping (and all of its efficient convenience), retail stores have proved their willingness to adapt, grow, and evolve into staples of our city. We’ve reached out to some of our favorite Toronto retail stores to find out what makes them unique, and how their business practices can help them (and you!) withstand anything - including a global pandemic.  Create a culture of … 

KINDNESS

We could all do with a little bit more grace and kindness right now, couldn’t we? The folks at Love Me Do, a charming baby and maternity store, know this full well. Retail employees consistently go above and beyond for their customers, treating them with the same courtesy and respect they would extend to their own mother, sister, or friend. The staff is known for being responsive, honest, and eager to help, all while relaying helpful information to anxious new parents. Take a long, hard look at your own employees and consider ways to encourage them to put the customer first.

SERENITY 

A cluttered, messy, or chaotic space doesn’t spark much joy - or inspire your customers to browse and shop. Regardless of what you’re selling, your customers will appreciate entering a space that is clean, organized, and well-designed.889, a thriving yoga studio and meditation space, recognizes the immense value in creating a space that is aesthetically pleasing. With a spacious lobby, well-stocked changing room, and light-flooded interior, the team has intentionally created spaces that reflect their mission and philosophy. In your own store, light a candle, start your playlist, and remove anything that detracts from the overall ambiance of the space.

INTEGRITY 

At the risk of sounding too preachy, we can’t overstate this enough: be a (wo)man of your word. The Bike Place, a local bicycle retail and repair store, has created a loyal following by being straightforward, direct, and honest with customers. Not only does the owner know his trade inside and out, but he doesn’t try to upsell, overcharge, or cheat anyone out of their own hard-earned money. Develop a reputation for uncompromised reliability and trustworthiness to witness customer loyalty and appreciation abound.

INCLUSIVITY

As fun as niche markets sound, don’t be that store. Consider out-of-the-box ways for as many people as possible to interact with your store, from beginners to experts, locals to tourists. Another bicycling standout, Bateman’s Bicycle Company, has something for everyone. As a retail space, it offers bikes and accessories for all - from the introductory beginner to elite racing team members. On the repair side, they can tackle an array of challenges. Finally, as a rental spot, Bateman’s can outfit a visitor with all the goods they need to bike the city - and even provides insight on the best stops to see from the seat of a bike. How can you open your doors to all types of customers? Having multiple entry points ensures that your business will stay booming. 

COMMUNITY

Ah - does anything sound better right now? Although it may look different in this new season, I believe that we’re all craving connection and shared experiences above all else. Consider ways to usher community into your own store by hosting workshops, meet-and-greets, or neighbourhood gatherings to invite like-minded customers into connection with one another. The Devil’s Workshop, a local jewelry shop, provides dual experiences for their customers: workshops and classes to learn technique, and open studio space for artists to hone their craft. In each space, customers have the opportunity to support the business and one another simultaneously.

AMBIANCE

Remember, one of the most prominent things that sets you apart is the four walls and physical location of your retail shop. While online shopping may offer convenience, you get to welcome customers into an actual space. Lavish and Squalor, a local home decor and clothing boutique, has clearly taken the time and effort to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The store has been set up to encourage browsing, with stylish vignettes, curated collections, and a cafe in the center of the store. Although it may not be realistic for you to offer up a cup of joe in your own space, consider ways to make your store feel more like home for your customers. 

PRIDE

All in all, we feel like it can be summed in one idea: take pride in what you’re doing. Pay attention to details and invest in high quality products. Sydney’s, a well-known men’s clothing store, has a reputation for doing things well. Their store, stylish and refined, has a streamlined aesthetic of clean walls, copper ceilings, and industrial accents. Their inventory is current yet timeless, and feels just curated enough. Their staff is not only knowledgeable, but strives to anticipate and respond to your questions -  the owner himself is known to come over and confirm the accuracy when measuring for suits. In your own store, refuse to put something out that you don’t believe in. Your customers will see the difference. 

Although things can feel uneasy, we’d encourage you to put this time to good use. Refresh your layout, reconsider your priorities, and reinvigorate your employees to create a business that you’re proud of. In a world that’s striving for connection, customers are looking for ways to support local shops in their own neighbourhood more than ever before. Once things have reopened, we hope to see you around at one of these stores. We know that a photo booth rental will be a welcome addition to any reunion and reopening party. We’ve got to support our local small businesses in times like these. Here’s to the mom and pop shops - you’ve got this.