The rich culture and history of St Thomas can sometimes be overlooked, with new and modern businesses spotting the old architecture of historic Talbot St. However, one staple of the city that has withstood, continuing a legacy through the years, has been Jennings Furniture & Design, the second-oldest furniture store in Canada.
Jennings in 1975. (Elgin County Archives.) In 2009, the owners, Scott and Bruce Hammond, descendants of W.B. Jennings, approached one of their interior designers, Renee Carpenter, to purchase the store. During this time, despite the recession and job losses that had hit St. Thomas, Carpenter took a leap of faith. After taking over, her focus shifted the merchandise towards modern high-end, luxury and custom pieces, compared to mass-produced big brand names. Carpenter noted that the downsizing of housing through the years, specifically with clientele opting for condominiums and smaller living spaces, would require different furniture needs. This change in tune shifted the interest and specific taste of the customer into the spotlight, bringing back an era bygone of when the store had first opened. Keeping with tradition, Carpenter mentions that Jennings continues to provide manufacturers of traditional-styled furnishings for clients amidst the contemporary, modern and transitional pieces. This variety allows each client’s needs and desires to easily be satisfied. Jennings also strives to carry on its legacy through its values, specifically customer service. It is committed to upholding the same quality and service provided to St. Thomas and the surrounding area since 1885. While quality was never questioned, Jennings rebranded services, adding designers to the team to provide new upscale interior design services to members of the Jennings Club. This change would allow locals to purchase locally rather than opting for designers and services from distant larger areas such as Toronto. Even throughout Covid, Carpenter remained dedicated to the store, offering virtual showcasing of products to clients, preparing curb-side deliveries and fashioning the store’s website for online shopping. Her motivation lies in the generations that have run the store before her through wars, pandemics, economic failure and more. Her perseverance drives the store forward through tough times, and her resilience is inspiring. Years of dedication and determination have proven fruitful to the store, which has proudly served St. Thomas for 138 years. This store is one of the beautiful jewels of our downtown, giving a glimpse into our past with bright hope for the future.
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As a business owner you know you are required to track all the financial transactions that flow through your business. So why then do so many owners scramble in March and April getting their books together for tax season? The answer is simple. You are passionate and great at the product or service you offer but for many that is not an accounting business. Here are some tips and tricks to help you avoid the tax season scramble. 1. Why record your transactions If the only reason you are tracking is to be able to file your tax return, you may find that you don’t have the motivation to track regularly. A more motivating reason why you want to keep good records is so you can make business decisions. Do you need to increase the price you charge? Do you have unnecessary expenses that are making you unprofitable? It is difficult to answer these without good financial tracking. 2. What transactions to record When it comes to recording your business dealings, ALL transactions need to be recorded. This includes cash transactions, e-transfer transactions and business expenses you personally purchase for your business. 3. Where to record your transaction For many businesses starting out, a simple excel sheet tracking all of your sales and expenses is enough to get started. If you do choose to invest in an accounting system, make sure you understand how to use it. There is nothing worse than paying for a system, using it wrong and ending up in a bigger mess. 4. When to record your transaction It is recommended to record your transactions as close to the time of the transaction as possible. For some it may not be practical to record each time you make a sale or a purchase. However, getting yourself into a weekly habit of recording all the transactions for the week can be a huge benefit. You can likely remember your transactions for the past week (or quickly figure out what that charge was for). Also recording on a weekly basis for many business owners can take less than an hour of time. 5. Talk to an Expert Are you aware of all the things you can claim as an expense in your business? This is a common problem area. Often times business owners get advice from friends and family about what expenses they are able to claim. When it comes to tax time, Canada Revenue Agency might not agree that the advice is correct. Please remember that every business is different and as a result there may not be a one size fits all approach when it comes to your expenses Tracking your business expenses may not be the thing that brings you joy. However, ensuring you are properly tracking, with the right tools and on a consistent basis might just be the reason why you can continue the business that is bringing you joy! ![]() Jennifer Hare, CPA Jennifer is a Financial Coach who has a big passion for helping people feel more safe and secure in their financial situation. Contact her at jenniferharecpa@gmail.com or on Facebook or Instagram Market and Festival Season is in full swing! As you plan and prepare to participate in a show with your small business, are you putting your best foot forward to create an inviting shopping experience for your potential customers? Whether this is your first or seventh market season, there are always ways to improve the customer experience to create greater success for yourself. Check out these simple ways to maximize your market experience. Select events that fit your demographic.
In the world of cooking, spices are the key to transforming a dish from ordinary to extraordinary. When it comes to finding the best quality organic, gluten-free, and vegan spices in Southwestern Ontario, there's one name that stands out: Pepper Tree Spice Co. This local spice company has been revolutionizing the culinary experience since its inception in 2010, and its founder, Deb Kussmann, has made it her mission to make good food accessible for everyone to enjoy. The Pepper Tree Spice Co. journey began when Deb finished her business degree and noticed a significant gap in the market for high-quality organic, gluten-free, and vegan spices. With her passion for cooking and a strong belief in the power of good food, she set out to fill this void. Deb started small, selling her handcrafted spice blends at the Western Fair Farmers Market, where she quickly gained a loyal following of food enthusiasts. Word of mouth spread, and Pepper Tree Spice Co.'s growth was swift. With a dedicated customer base, Deb knew it was time to establish a permanent presence. She built a beautiful storefront in the charming village of Port Stanley, Ontario, where locals and visitors could immerse themselves in the world of spices. Pepper Tree Spice Co. continues beyond offering an extensive range of spices. They understand that cooking is not just about the ingredients but the experience. To further enhance their customers' culinary journey, Pepper Tree Spice Co. has introduced an array of new BBQ accessories and sets designed to elevate outdoor cooking to new heights, just in time for Father's Day! Pepper Tree Spice Co. recently hired Olivia Healey as the Resident Chef and Culinary Coordinator to ensure that their customers get the most out of their spices and cooking endeavours. Olivia's expertise and creativity perfectly complement Deb's vision of accessible cooking. Together, they are organizing Supper Club Cooking Classes hosted in Pepper Tree Spice's Co.'s kitchen, which exudes the warmth and charm of a beautiful home kitchen. This intimate and inclusive environment welcomes food enthusiasts of all skill levels to learn, share, and connect with others who share their passion for food. Pepper Tree Spice is committed to supporting people with diverse cooking needs, making their culinary experiences genuinely memorable. In addition to the Supper Club Cooking Classes, they also host Supper Club Kids cooking events for kids, nurturing a love for cooking from an early age. This summer, they are set to launch their cooking day camps, where children can explore different culinary themes like "Lil' Italy," "Ahoy Matey," "Mexican Fiesta," and more. For more information or to register, click here. Pepper Tree Spice Co. recently started hosting a Cook Book Exchange for those who love food beyond the kitchen. This unique gathering allows participants to bring their favourite recipe books, exchange recipes and books, savour delicious appetizers prepared by resident chef Olivia, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow food lovers. It's a perfect opportunity to forge new friendships and expand your culinary horizons. Pepper Tree Spice Co.'s commitment to inclusivity, passion for good food, and dedication to enhancing culinary experiences sets them apart in the Southwestern Ontario culinary scene. With their ever-growing range of spices, innovative events, and warm, welcoming environment, they have created a space where everyone can find something to support their cooking needs, create lasting memories, and form connections far beyond the kitchen. Pepper Tree Spice is not just a spice company; it's a culinary community that brings people together through the love of food.
This week we welcome Katherine Englander of HRP4B to facilitate "No Fear Hiring" for entrepreneurs and small business owners considering adding to their teams. This session is for those looking to hire within the next year or so.
Because bringing another person into the small business bubble can be intimidating - the paperwork and shift from being a solopreneur or using contracted help to being an employer is a significant change with best practices for success, both from a regulatory point of view and for simply finding the best fit for what you are looking for. In this week's session, participants will learn more about the following concepts and steps to success and approaching the hiring process without feeling intimidated!
In next week's No Fear Hiring session, our guest Katherine Englander of HRP4B will speak about the technical elements of being ready to hire - the necessary paperwork, forms, payroll, and various government departments you must navigate. You must learn #allthethings when you find yourself prepared for your first employee. It can be overwhelming, and we want you to feel prepared well before you need to post that figurative "Help Wanted" sign.
Let's touch on a few best practices to consider when hiring.
While downtown construction holds the promise of great things ahead, Mugford’s has taken the opportunity to revisit its past with a temporary pop-up location at Elgin Centre. Mugford’s Shoes has called Talbot street home since opening in 1965. The store first gained popularity in the 1960s for their high-quality products, professionalism regarding their merchandise, as well as a clean, friendly and comfortable atmosphere, with high standards of customer service to each client and their needs. In 1975, just in time for the Holiday Season, the original owners Don and Merle Mugford expanded their horizons, unveiling two new locations in London, with a fourth added to the Elgin Mall (now Elgin Centre) in 1975. For nearly 55 years, the family business has thrived, with a second location in London’s Westmount Mall continuing to operate today. St Thomas remains the headquarters of the company, offering a wide selection of men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, carrying household brands from Saxx to Tommy Bahama. To make access for their clientele easier during Talbot Street’s reconstruction the boutique has opted to temporarily move their main location to the Elgin Centre, inviting their valuable customers to continue their support during the move. They continue to attract attention with giveaways, promotional events and new merchandise. Those interested in updating their wardrobe for the coming summer months are recommended to check out their great seasonal selections. All the reasons folks shopped Mugford’s in the ‘60’s are reasons to revisit the boutique today. While we look forward to welcoming the store back to Talbot St. soon, this temporary change is indeed a fun look back over the store’s history as well. While trends and fashion fads have changed through the years, the store continues to remain within the original founder’s family.
If you’re looking to upgrade your summer wardrobe with the latest styles, trends and brands, Mugford’s is a hot spot for some new threads! Enjoy a large selection of merchandise from sandals to scarves, purses to pullovers, all with great customer service. Stop by this new ray of sunshine for the summer season located in the Elgin Centre for essentials, accessories and more. For window-shopping during after-hours, check out their Facebook page showcasing their newest arrivals and events. Mugford’s has it all to stay cool and chic in the Railway City! I am sure you, like most people, have had an idea, interest, or passion that you thought would be a good business but have been baffled about what to do next.
First, know that the team at the Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre is here to help you in your early exploration of entrepreneurship or at any point along the journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out. While no two businesses are the same, here are a few general steps to help you get started.
Be willing to put in the work to get there. Many local businesses, including Purely Wicked and Abby Mae's Gluten Free Bakery, have launched their business first as a vendor at the Horton Farmers' Market before hiring staff and opening storefront locations. Ask yourself the following questions; how can you start this business with $5? What is the minimum viable business you can create? Can you start selling to family and friends from your home? Can you try selling through Instagram or Facebook? Reducing the risk, and investment, by starting from where you (and with what you already have) is vital. It will allow you to test out the market, see if you enjoy doing it, and learn about your customers and the local market in which you operate.
There are better long-term strategies than being the cheapest. Set a price based on one or more of the following factors: (1) what it is worth, (2) what it costs to make, or (3) what your competition charges. Ask someone to buy it. Make a sale. Repeat. So many people are passionate about what they do, and they get all choked up about charging money for it. Money is not bad, and money is what makes the thing you create sustainable. Plus, making money feels good!
Guess what? You are not special. Everyone has these thoughts. To be an entrepreneur means taking a (social) risk and putting yourself out there before you have everything figured out. Talking to people about what you do is the only way to learn more, build a group of people invested in supporting your business, and connect to the resources you don't currently have. Saying out loud what you want to create is the first step to bringing it to life. You must talk to people about it and get their ideas, knowledge, connections, and excitement. And it's something you can do today.
Post it on Facebook. Send your Superfans an email update of what you have in the works. Reach out to someone with whom you'd like to collaborate. Build a prototype. Telling people about what you are doing in any way is marketing because people can only buy from you if they know your business exists. Be wary of time wasters such as perfecting a logo or a website or feeling like you need more tools to start. You will only learn what you need by working with engaged or potential customers. Final thoughts There are many right ways to run a business, don't cling to what you or others think you should do. Build the company that works for you and is possible from where you are. This journey is not for the faint of heart. You must be willing to put in the work and be consistent. Money doesn't grow on trees; it takes time to build a business. Professional Business advisors are available for free through the Elgin/ St. Thomas Small Business Centre. Contact us at smallbiz@stthomas.ca to set up a call about your business. This article was originally published in Hometown St. Thomas, March 2023 - Click here for the full issue What is SBEC anyway?
Acronyms, am I right? We all use them when we are on the inside like it's no big deal - but when you are unfamiliar with an industry or organization, and they come up, it is easy to become overwhelmed or tune things out and miss out on valuable support. So let's bring you into the conversation about who we are and what we do at your local Small Business Enterprise Centre or SBEC. Our team of Small Business Advisors serves the small business curious of St. Thomas and Elgin County throughout all phases of business, from discovery and planning to launch and growth. Operating as part of the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation, our services are available at no cost through the added support of Elgin County and the Province of Ontario. Our organization is part of a Province-wide network of small business centres allowing us to connect you with more resources and learning opportunities to grow your business. In addition to one-on-one or group consultations, our team offers business plan guidance, training sessions and seminars, access to local connections, grant programs for young entrepreneurs and those starting out, and community events to support building strong network connections. The Horton Farmers' Market operation is also a part of how we support the local community of small business owners. While the market is essential to our greater community for many reasons, to our small business owners, the market can act as a great launching point. Several local small businesses have taken off from there and now have storefronts. The Horton Farmers' Market is a producer-based Farmers' Market that draws vendors from a maximum distance of 60km from its location at 10 Manitoba St. Another unique way we support the community is through GROW, an accelerator program offering no-cost space to small businesses considering expansion into a physical location. The Caboose at Jumbo is an option to be a three-month stepping stone between home-based and storefront. Or the opportunity to give it a try at a low-risk point. If you are in business or looking to get in business and located in St. Thomas or Elgin County, contact our team of passionate small business advisors. They are always excited to meet new folks, celebrate your wins and assist with navigating the inevitable tough spots. Reach out before you need a listening ear or practical advice. Connect with us on social media and stay tuned for exciting announcements, celebrations of local businesses, and the incredible events ahead. This article was originally featured in Hometown St. Thomas - March 2023 - enjoy the full edition here Talbot St. has worn a lot of styles - from dirt to brick, to pavement featuring streetcar tracks to ultimately what we have now! The time has come for the work to continue improving both the street and what lies beneath. As our City continues to grow and evolve so must the infrastructure!
Phase three of the Talbot St. Reconstruction continues the work that was completed in the West End in 2018 and will bring the section of Downtown from Mary St. to Ross Street up to the standard set in the west end with incredible railway-themed touches, increased parking, and upgraded light standards - in addition to the necessary work to the replacement of Sewers, Watermain, Utilities below. During construction, sections of the road will need to be closed to vehicular traffic from March to October to complete the work safely and in a timely manner. Construction will be phased and include tight schedule deadlines and financial penalties to ensure it is completed quickly. Pedestrian access will generally be maintained with minor disruptions. The construction will be completed in two stages beginning in March with an expected completion in October. For more information regarding this project, full details and plans are available on the City of St. Thomas Website. For our small business community that calls Talbot St. home, this project is, on the one hand, very welcome. There is an excellent understanding that this is essential work that needs to happen, and better if it is planned than an infrastructure failure. The finished streetscape will also be an incredible upgrade with a fresh look to accent the historic downtown area. However, there is also some genuine and reasonable concern that the construction will impact visitation to their businesses. And that's valid too. The great words of a classic film, "If you build it, they will come," raises a great argument with the caveat that folks need to KNOW that something has been built so they CAN come. And this is the principle we are going to touch on here. Because yes - your foot traffic is likely to be impacted. So what can you do about it? Keep your customers in the loop about what to expect.
Stay Positive with your customers, but also be authentic.
Give your customers a reason to visit.
Keep communication up
Make new friends
Don't ignore your financials.
This is an incomplete list - there will be more ideas that surface over the coming months - the key is to remember that you aren't alone, and your neighbours will be experiencing at least one of the same external factors that you are - lean on one another and lean on us too. |
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