Downtown Kelowna Rocks Small Shop Saturday
Saturday October 25 was the last Small Shop Saturday event
for 2014. The Downtown Kelowna Association ignited this initiative in 2012. The objective was to invite people to enjoy
special events in the Downtown shops and venues, and to encourage shoppers to
discover the dozens of special independent businesses in Downtown Kelowna.
Yesterday’s event was so successful! We saw many familiar
faces, and loads of new people from Kelowna and area. Many shoppers said they
had not been downtown for a long time, and they were so amazed to see how many
fantastic businesses thrive therin!
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| Witchy Women! |
Christopher Robin!
We were buzzing all day!
On my way home, very tired but in a nice way…I reflected once again on our commitment to small business and what that means in real terms. In spite of the huge challenges, the rewards are there. Here are a few I reflected upon that Georgie Girl has been able to accomplish:
- Ability to employ 4 people in a job that’s interesting, including a young adult who integrates it into her school objectives.
- Contributing to the mix of exclusive attractions to Kelowna for visitors who love to shop in unique, one-of-a-kind venues. Think Portland or Nelson – and now, Kelowna!
- Sharing to cause Downtown Kelowna to be a "multi street" area, not just Bernard Avenue. Yes, it’s happening!
- Contributing to the vibrancy of Downtown Kelowna Events by participating and spreading the news about events – and we have so many!
Our Vintage Kitty Greeter!
Most Downtown Kelowna businesses will tell a similar story.
It is as a collective that these
goals to reach out to locals and visitors alike are met, with the encouragement
and support of the Downtown Kelowna Association. As a member of the Board of
Directors, I can testify to their conviction in making this happen for their members.
In the latest Okanagan Life Magazine, Paul Byrnes – a dedicated Okanaganite and a
vigorous small business supporter (and Okanagan Life owner) writes:
“One obvious answer is to shop local. Many studies prove
that up to 71 per cent of money spent locally stays local. Only 13.6 per cent
stays when you shop at a chain store; that means 86 per cent gushes out of our
Valley”
Each and every day, since 1996, I have dedicated myself to the “dream”
or the “nightmare” of owning a small business and striving to
make it the best I can with the oftentimes meager resources at hand.
The turnout for Small Shop Saturday makes us very happy…
Thank you Kelowna and all for your support of Small Shop
Saturday!!
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