Okay, so I rarely venture into controversial territory when it comes to writing, but this time I just can’t resist. I live in downtown Toronto, so this whole big box store thing hasn’t affected my life much. This ideology tends to belong to the suburbs. Don’t get me wrong, every once in a while I find myself in a Walmart or Ikea. They are terribly attractive in many ways. Good prices, wide selection and a good return policy. As a mom, these are all characteristics that I find attractive. What’s not so fun you may ask? The crowds in the aisles, the long lines at the cashier and the lack of customer service.
I am an independent costume shop. I live in Toronto, employ local people and buy from Canadian companies and distributors. In addition, I offer my products and services throughout the year. So this is where my rant begins. Big box stores undercut us little ones on Halloween by selling the same products and accessories we have. They do this because they can buy directly from manufacturers in large volumes. But, there are some very big differences that you also need to know before making your purchasing decisions.
This is where my confession begins. If your buying principles are based solely on price, then by all means shop at your local big box store. WE CANNOT COMPETE ON PRICE. And please don’t ask us to.
However, if you have a different buying philosophy than that, for example, you want to support local businesses and the local economy, or you prefer to buy Canadian products, or you want to take your business somewhere that offers customer service, then we are independent. for you.
Here is my list of why we are the best way:
o Buying locally improves our way of life. The little shops are part of a community feeling, something that brings life to the environment. It makes our communities cleaner, safer and more beautiful.
o When you buy from an independent, you support local businesses. I don’t think I have to tell you that many of these big box stores are not Canadian owned. In fact, a lot of the dollars they generate go south of the border into some pretty deep pockets.
o Large stores do not have a social conscience. Money is the main motivator. Independents base their purchasing decisions on what is best for the community and how to contribute to their community. Likewise, we listen to the needs of our customers and adjust to meet their needs.
o The independents are neater. I mean, this might sound silly, but try to find the costume you want on Halloween when all the shelves are a mess and everything has been picked up. Chaos.
or Customer Service. Aside from social awareness, freelancers offer better customer service, with no ifs or buts. You can find a real “person” to serve you, many times the owner. Is it good to talk to someone about your needs? We answer the phone, we call you back. We offer you our experience because we actually have training in this business. We’ll see if we can get you that costume you’ve been looking for all over town, or we’ll refer you to someone we think will have it. We will help you with your purchasing needs. We will communicate with you. And we will be honest.
o In addition, we will offer things that the big boxes cannot possibly offer. We will rent costumes. We will do custom work. We will make a special request. Once the big boxes are sold out, that’s it.
I already feel better. I’m going to shop local too, because we independents practice what we preach.
