Behind the Counters: Personalities make shopping local worthwhile

This holiday season, the PQB News is reminding readers of the importance of shopping local. A massive part of that experience is the people, the folks behind the counter. Here’s a peek at just a few of the many businesses that keep our local economy buzzing: Business: Close to You Address: 174 Corfield St S, Parksville, BC V9P 0C1 Owner: Sandra Herle Years in Community: 35 years Offers: Women’s fashion, lingerie, nightwear, footwear, swimwear, and accessories. Quote: “Communities would not survive without small business to support sports teams, pay the taxes for sidewalks, the water and all that stuff. I know when I go on holiday, I like to go somewhere to shop or somewhere to eat. So, if there wasn’t a small business community, I think it would be tougher on tourism. We’ve got a strong tourism group.” Sandra Herle started Close To You, a lingerie business, in 1991. Over the years, the store has expanded and features a myriad of women’s clothing, accessories and shoes. The store continues to serve devoted clients, who Herle said have greatly helped her stay in business for 35 years. “This town has always been good to us,” said Herle, who was first in the bicycle shop business before transitioning to women’s fashion. “We have been through everything. We’ve been through the real dive in the economy and COVID was the worst because you didn’t know if there was going to be an end. But we’ve got such a loyal base of clients. They have aged with me.” Small businesses, said Herle, is vital to the local economy. Their success also relies on the support they receive from residents and visitors. “Communities would not survive without small business to support sports teams, pay the taxes for sidewalks, the water and all that stuff,” said Herle, who added that they are also an asset to local tourism. “I know when I go on holiday, I like to go somewhere to shop or somewhere to eat. So, if there wasn’t a small business community, I think it would be tougher on tourism. We’ve got a strong tourism group.” Business: Coast and Cottage Address: 5-160 Corfield St. S, Parksville, British Columbia V9P 2G3 Owner: Rianna Sharp Years in community: six years Offers: Ladies clothing, home decor, art kits and art works. Quote: “It makes a huge difference even just a little support like following us on social media or sharing our stuff or word to mouth.” Owner Rianna Sharp has been operating the business for six years now. When she started, she said they mainly had vintage and paint but they have now evolved and has included women’s clothing. As well, they promote over 80 artisans locally and all over the Island, which leads to a unique experience for shoppers looking for something different. “We have a ton from the Island,” said Sharp. “We try and something for everybody. We have a lot of decor and gift ware as well as home goods and a little bit of food, a little bit of health food. We try and have a sampling for everyone. Basically, whatever you could use or need, we try to carry.” Sharp says it’s important for the community to endorse the small businesses. “When we first opened, there was a lot of stores like us, which is great for the community,” said Sharp. “And then they’ve since closed because it’s really hard to be small business nowadays with many competitions and ordering online. It makes a huge difference even just a little support like following us on social media or sharing our stuff or word to mouth.” Sharp said their store is more than just a gift shop. “We have customers that come in and they say that it’s their happy place,” said Sharp. “We try to offer a bit of an experience.” Sharp hopes for a busy holiday season. “Having more foot traffic and even more events downtown that really support shopping locally would be amazing,” said Sharp. Business: Skulls Skates/PD’s Hot Shop Address: 164 W 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1T4 Owner: Peter Ducommun Years in Community: 4 years Offers: Canada made skateboards, parts, apparel Quote: “A large portion of the skateboard industry, the products are made off-shore these days and so to have something made locally is a little bit unusual. I think that’s what people appreciate about it.” Peter Ducommun set up his business in Qualicum Beach, with one of the oldest demographics in Canada. Choosing the town was unusual for Ducommun as the products in his store called PD’s Hot Shop, appeal to a more younger generation. Yet since he opened in the heart of downtown Qualicum Beach, his skateboard shop has become well-known in the business community. Ducommun said they were surprised with the reception they have received. “The people here have very been welcoming,” said Ducommun, who is also known as PD. “We love how diverse Qualicum Beach is because of its reputation that it’s a retirement community. It’s a bigger mix than you imagine. You assume that it would just be retired people only but it’s much more than that, I would say. That’s something we learned. We had no idea when we moved here that is the case.” What PD’s Hot Shop offers are skateboards, snowboards, skimboards and bicycles that they designed and are built in Canada. Ducommun said, they are so proud to offer to residents and visitors Canadian-made merchandise. For Ducommun, who created the skateboard brand in 1978, building the products locally also means jobs, which allows people to earn and spend money locally. It also helps the town’s economy. “Qualicum Beach is a beautiful little town and it requires a lot of upkeep,” said Ducommun. “They have a lot of staff and all that money has to come from somewhere. We’re fortunate that we do have a lot of visitors because it’s such a beautiful place to visit particularly in the summer. We’re finding since we opened here that winter is getting busier as well.”