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Welcome to MySTORE - an exciting new online resource for independent retailers by Retail Council of Canada. Read in-depth and thought-provoking articles about successful independent retailers in Canada. And remain in the loop concerning all of the latest news, announcements, anniversaries, store openings and everything else that helps make Canadian independent retailers such a vibrant and meaningful part of our communities.
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Technology, staffing, and operating costs providing challenges and opportunities for Canadian independent retailers. February 2012 Independent retailers are such an important part of our communities and critical to the strength of the Canadian economy. In light of this, Canadian Retailer reached out to independent retailers across the country to find out what issues keep them up at night and where they’re seeing opportunities for growth. Here’s what they had to say. |
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Indie Buzz January 2012 Independent retailers are the lifeblood of Canadian communities, contributing not only to the health of the country’s economy, but to the health and wellbeing of the citizens that they serve. To celebrate the contributions made by independent retailers, Indie Buzz features all of the news, announcements, anniversaries and everything else that make Canadian independent retailing great. Check out what your fellow independents are up to… |
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Indie Buzz November 2011 Independent retailers are the lifeblood of Canadian communities, contributing not only to the health of the country's economy, but to the health and wellbeing of the citizens that they serve. To celebrate the contributions made by independent retailers, Indie Buzz features all of the news, announcements, anniversaries and everything else that make Canadian independent retailing great. Check out what your fellow independents are up to... |
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Tailoring to customers' needs key to 100 years of success September 2011 Walter Beauchamp Tailors has been servicing its clients with fine bespoke garments since 1908 and continue to thrive today. According to Owner Terry Beauchamp, focus on quality product and service and understanding the customer has been the key to more than 100 years of success. Read More |
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High tech high touch and balance key to independent success September 2011 In addition to many traditional challenges associated with running a small business - limited time and resources; marketing; finding and keeping top talent; supply chain management-independents are also looking for a high-tech edge, while maintaining the personal high touch that their customers have come to expect from them. Read More |
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What's in a name? August 2011 We all understand the importance of a first impression. Whether we are meeting a new supplier, a new investor or even our future in-laws - we all want to make a good impression straight away. Find out how fellow independents have managed to do this through the name of their store. Read More |
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Indie Buzz August 2011 Independent retailers are the lifeblood of Canadian communities, contributing not only to the health of the country's economy, but to the health and wellbeing of the citizens that they serve. To celebrate the contributions made by independent retailers, Indie Buzz features all of the news, announcements, anniversaries and everything else that make Canadian independent retailing great. Check out what your fellow independents are up to... |
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My supplier, my partner August 2011 Knowing who your suppliers are and cultivating strategic partnerships with them can not only ensure seamless operations, but can inspire unique and innovative ideas for your business as well. Read More |
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By The Numbers July 2011 Find out what's happening around the country, what challenges and issues are affecting your fellow independent retailer, and what opportunities might be on the horizon on the MyStore retail statistics page. Read More |
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Benchmarking Your Business July 2011 Benchmarking is an important tool for business owners to help measure their success, set goals and make informed decisions, no matter how large or small the operation. But the first step to consider for any independent retailer to effectively begin benchmarking is to indentify your values and goals and to be true to yourself. Read More |
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Collaboration and collective solutions helping fashion retailers tackle tough challenges July 2011 Independent retailers face challenges that may not be too dissimilar from those faced by larger retailers in the industry. However, because of limited resources they are at times tacking these issues on their own. Find out how a group of retailers are working together to arrive at collective solutions to help their businesses succeed and grow. Read More |
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Moved to greater success July 2011 Relocation can be a daunting task for any retailer, especially when the need has been brought on by circumstances beyond their control. With a little bit of ingenuity, however, the move can turn out to be a real advantage. Find out how Diane Petryna managed her recent relocation to even greater success for her store. Read More |
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Securing your store with tactics and teamwork July 2011 With proactive measures in place, a strategic approach to store layout, and teamwork among staff, independent retailers can significantly reduce loss in their stores. Find out how other independents across the country are cutting shrink and improving their bottom line with tactics of their own. Read More |
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Indie Buzz July 2011 Independent retailers are the lifeblood of Canadian communities, contributing not only to the health of the country's economy, but to the health and wellbeing of the citizens that they serve. To celebrate the contributions made by independent retailers, Indie Buzz features all of the news, announcements, anniversaries and everything else that make Canadian independent retailing great. Check out what your fellow independents are up to... |
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Homegrown: Taking part in a shop local program can draw in customers and increase sales June 2011 Awareness of "shop local" campaigns across Canada, and the world, is increasing as more and more consumers are paying attention to where their food is grown and produced. Find out how you can ensure a bigger economic return to your community by becoming involved in a "shop local" campaign where you operate. Read More |
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If a business is not online, does anybody hear it? June 2011 With over a million small businesses in Canada, finding new customers, or, better yet, having them find you is becoming more and more challenging. Find out how a Web presence can work for your business by being present where your customers are doing their research... online. Read More |
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Retail buying groups: The best of both worlds June 2011 Retail buying groups allow retailers to score great deals because of their strength in numbers and to draw on the competencies of a retail powerhouse while maintaining their freedom and flexibility as an independent. Read more to find out how. Read More |
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RCC tools and resources to help improve your business May 2011 Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is always looking for and developing ways to better serve its members. Here are some areas of opportunity for retailers to enhance their current strategies and appropriate RCC training tools and resources for you and your teams to leverage. Read More |
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Indie Buzz May 2011 Independent retailers are the lifeblood of Canadian communities, contributing not only to the health of the country's economy, but to the health and wellbeing of the citizens that they serve. To celebrate the contributions made by independent retailers, Indie Buzz features all of the news, announcements, anniversaries and everything else that make Canadian independent retailing great. Check out what your fellow independents are up to... |
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High duties: costing retailers and their consumers May 2011 The retail sector is obviously vital to the Canadian economy on many different levels, but unfortunately the high duties Canadian retailers must absorb is hurting their competitiveness significantly, both domestically and abroad. Perhaps more problematic, these duties are undermining the Canadian consumer's faith in the merchants operating in the country, leading to the misguided belief that they are at best unable to adapt to a global economy or at worst price-gouging for financial gain. Read more |
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Raising a glass to independent success May 2011 Superior customer service, a great staff and effective marketing are all crucial elements of any retail vision. Marrying these elements and executing them, however, can result in more than just a successful operation. Find out how Champagne and Lace, the Abbotsford, B.C.-based bridal store, put these elements to work for them. Read more |
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By the numbers May 2011 Find out what's happening around the country, what challenges and issues are affecting your fellow independent retailer, and what opportunities might be on the horizon on the MyStore retail statistics page. Read more |
