Shoppers find their habits changing as small business owners keep adapting

As the holiday season approaches, many have started their Christmas shopping, and for some it looks a little different than normal.

Crystal Lynde has normally done her shopping in-person at local stores, but this year she’s found most of her gifts for her family have been bought online. “I’m really busy this time of year, so it makes it easier for me rather than having to go out in the malls,” she said.

Despite this shift, she’s still made a point to support small businesses and shop local. “For my clients and staff, I’m trying to do some more local things, like buying gift cards.”

“I find it nice to support local and keep those small businesses up and running, especially during the holiday season,” she said.

Dennis Geelen also makes a point to shop local when he’s able. With his kids now moved out of the house, he has found there’s been a notable change over the last few years in what he’s buying. While previously he would have been buying material items, the bulk of the gifts he buys now are experiences.

For his kids and their partners that often means a gift card to a local restaurant for a night out, or tickets to a show playing at one of the local theatres. “It’s also the same with my parents. They’re getting older and I realize I only have so much time left with them. We’ve been much more intentional over the last few years to make experiences (as) the presents we give them… we want to spend time with them.”

Customers wanting to buy local is something that Beth Rescorl, co-owner of Kent Florist has also noticed. “We had a gentleman come in recently and he said he only wanted Canadian grown flowers,” she said.

Throughout the year she’s noticed the store has had increase in sales. “A lot of new (residents) are coming to the area which has brought new customers to our store,” Rescorl said. This along with having in demand products, such as real garland, and promoting their items more on social media, have made for a successful start to the holiday season.

Michele Sauve, owner of Gridley’s Creative Bath and Body, offers soap making classes during this time of the year and she’s found the reason it’s successful is because families are coming in to do something together.

She’s seen a notable increase in sales compared to this time last year. “We’ve become really well known for our gift baskets.” Along with this the store has also recently introduced bath bombs, which customers have appreciated. “People love the fact that we make everything on site.”

For customers like Lynde, having these small businesses has made for more intentional shopping as opposed to walking around the big box stores, just hoping for the best.

“Having a purpose of a purchase is huge, instead of just going out and looking. It’s about putting thought into it.”