Small Business Saturday
Today (and everyday) we celebrate you. Read on for two stories from inspiring retailers like you.
50 years on Monroe Street
Orange Tree Imports is celebrating its 50th year as part of the thriving Monroe Street, Madison shopping district. For almost all that time, we have used a management style called participative democracy. That means our staff has selected their co-workers through consensus, and almost every employee is in charge of at least one merchandise department. We’re fortunate to have staff members stay as long as 30 or 40 years.
50 years on Monroe Street
Orange Tree Imports is celebrating its 50th year as part of the thriving Monroe Street, Madison shopping district. For almost all that time, we have used a management style called participative democracy. That means our staff has selected their co-workers through consensus, and almost every employee is in charge of at least one merchandise department. We’re fortunate to have staff members stay as long as 30 or 40 years.
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What marketing tactics do you use to engage with your customers and get them to shop in your store?
We have a robust email list that we use twice a month, often inviting customers to stop in for a free gift or to attend a special event (including classes in our Cooking School). We also send out thousands of birthday postcards, and every year we feature a unique kitchen item that our customers enjoy adding to their collection.
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What's your favorite thing about being a store owner?
We love our customers, and all of the human connections involved in assisting them with their shopping. It’s wonderful to be able to present an ever-changing and extensive array of products so that their visit to our shop is always special.
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Do you give back to your community?
We’re one of the founding members of Dane Buy Local, and owner Carol “Orange” Schroeder has chaired the Monroe Street Merchants Association for almost 50 years. It’s a joy to be able to help other small businesses thrive. She also does this on a larger scale through Specialty Shop Retailing, her weekly blog for retailers, and her column in Gifts and Decorative Accessories.
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What's your favorite season to decorate your store?
Definitely Christmas! Our volunteer team of elves will be coming in soon to make the magical transformation from Halloween to Christmas, and we all look forward to seeing them unveil the latest in holiday merchandise and decor.
What are your favourite Danica items?
We do incredibly well with so much of the Danica range, ranging from aprons and kitchen textiles to mugs and holiday gift items. There are always new designs to choose from that are right on target with the latest trends, and the pricing usually hits the sweet spot for our customer base.
130 years in business!
Bradshaw's stands out because we are celebrating our 130th year in business, one of Canada’s oldest continuously running family-run businesses, for over 6 generations! We are very proud of this history.
130 years in business!
Bradshaw's stands out because we are celebrating our 130th year in business, one of Canada’s oldest continuously running family-run businesses, for over 6 generations! We are very proud of this history.
What's your favorite part about being a store owner?
No two days are exactly alike which keeps me constantly engaged and firing on all cylinders! I never have a moment to get bored and am constantly discovering new things to love about retail.
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Do you give back to your community?
Of course! We make it a priority to support local community initiatives like donating to the Stratford Rotary Hospice, United Way, Local Community Food Centre, Arts organizations and hundreds of local fundraising campaigns. We also commit our time to serving in local boards..Jeremy is the Chair of Stratford Summer Music and I sit on the Board of Directors of the Stratford Festival. I have also served on the board of Gallery Stratford and sat as Chair of Tourism Stratford.
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What are your favorite Danica items?
Danica has such an incredibly vast range of products that seem to be forever evolving. We love your brand and the fact that everything is designed in Canada! My favourites are kitchen aprons and mitts, Swedish dishcloths, floursack dishtowels, decorative pinch bowls, and anything seasonal for the holidays like your felted tree trivets, felted garland and bow handled mugs.
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What marketing tactics do you use to engage with your customers and get them to shop in your store?
We prioritize our social media presence to create unique content that inspires our customers. We enjoy experimenting with our products through Instagram reels, stories, and posts. Additionally, we publish a digital magazine twice a year to showcase our favorite items in our store, both for spring and Christmas.
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What's your favorite season to decorate your store?
Christmas, of course! It takes the most amount of effort but has the most reward when customers fall in love with all the merchandise and displays! It truly is a magical time of the year at Bradshaws!!
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Bits and Dots Black and White Pinch Bowls Set of 6
