Surviving Retail Storm 2025
Surviving Retail Storm 2025. As a small business beach shop owner, I’ve always prided myself on curating a collection that reflects quality, style, and the needs of my customers. Lately, I’ve been asked why I will still carry American brands when there’s a growing movement to buy Canadian, especially amid political turmoil. I wanted to take a moment to share my perspective.
Buying for a Year in Advance
Retail is not as simple as picking out items one week and having them on shelves the next. When I select the pieces for my store, I place orders nearly a year in advance. This means that when global events, economic shifts, or political tensions arise, my inventory is already set. The world moves fast, but retail planning is a long game.
Quality and Demand
Many of the brands I carry have built a reputation for high-quality materials, durability, and timeless designs that my customers love. I carefully select brands that align with the laid-back, Okanagan lifestyle my shop represents. My priority is always to bring in products that my customers will enjoy and feel good about purchasing.
Supporting Small Businesses
Not all the brands are giant corporations. Many are small, independent designers and family-run businesses—just like mine. Supporting them is not much different from supporting a Canadian small business. Many of these companies share the same values of sustainability, ethical production, and craftsmanship that my customers appreciate.
Canadian Sales Reps
These brands have local Canadian sales representatives that make a commission on what they sell to each retailer. If we a cancel these orders, (which can have legal implications) the sales rep I have know for 20-30 yrs does not get paid. Income their family needs. So, think about your purchase and who you are buying from before you put it back.
We still need to support are Canadian small businesses so they can pay their bills. Changes in a lot of small retailers can’t be done overnight it takes time. So please give us some time to adjust to sourcing more Canadian brands going forward.
A Balanced Approach
I’m always on the lookout for incredible Canadian brands to stock, my main goal is to provide my customers with the best options available. In the past I have strived to maintain a balanced selection which has had Canadian, American and many other countries labels thus ensuring a variety of styles, fits, and price points.
At the end of the day, my focus is offering high-quality, ethically made clothing that customers will love.
Help us through the storm!
Yes, we are in a crazy SH*T STORM and JESUS MURPHY I am very confused but committed to getting through this!
I hope this gives a little insight into why my shop continues to carry a mix of brands, and I appreciate all my customers for their support and hope to see you all this coming season.
Eileen