‘Flexibility was the key:’ Calgary small businesses bounce back

For the first time in a few years, Calgary stores and restaurants were bustling with activity over the holidays as businesses weren’t limited by COVID restrictions, and small business owners were able to capitalize.

Calgary saw an 89 per cent increase in foot traffic in shopping malls and Christmas markets this year, so some small business owners who moved their products out of a stationary storefront saw more success.

“Flexibility was the key,” said Connor Curran, the founder of Local Laundry, a Calgary clothing store that ships Canada-wide. “Gone are the days where you can kind of just sit back and wait for those sales to come in.”

“You really had to go where the customers were at. You really … I hate to use the word hustle, but you had to get out there, and you had to get your brand and your business out there,” he said.

“So, we were at markets, were doing pop-ups. We are in new retailers. We opened this space for people to come down to do local pickup.”

But that doesn’t mean it was easy, with owners facing a different set of challenges this holiday season.

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Ruhee Ismail-Teja with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce says there are still problems, though businesses staying open has been helpful.

“Unfortunately, things haven’t gotten that much better for small businesses,” Ismail-Teja said. “Obviously, we’re pleased that we’re not in a position where we have restrictions, but labour force shortages continue to be a challenge to inflation, supply chains, and so they’re continuing to be an uphill battle for small businesses.”

Curran says, like most, his business continues to feel the strain from inflation, and being open-minded and willing to adapt is key to staying afloat.

“What’s working today might not work tomorrow, so you always have to be changing. Anytime you think you’ve cracked the code – well, that code is going to change tomorrow,” Curran said.

Small businesses make up 95 per cent of all Calgary businesses, and the chamber says when you shop here at home, you’re not just supporting a local business, you’re supporting local families and our local economy.