Retail News - January/February 2008

2007 CGTA

RETAILER OF THE YEAR
RUNNER-
UP
Homegrown
LOCKSIDE TRADING COMPANY

BY ANDREA REYNOLDS

At Lockside Trading Company, growth is
about more than creating additional
sales space. It’s also about impacting their
town in meaningful and beneficial ways.

Expansion is par for the

course at Lockside Trading Company, a 2007 CGTA Retailer of the Year runner-up. Since opening the doors in 1987, the business has grown from a 400-square-foot boutique into an impressive 7000-square-foot shopping adventure.

Located in Young’s Point, Ont., in front of Lock 27 on the Trent Severn Waterway, Lockside is literally situated in the heart of cottage country. Surrounded by the Young’s Point Museum and the Dockside Live Stage, it’s an area where people come to relax and shop.

“The location has always been an important part of the atmosphere of our store,” says Susan. “From May 24 to Thanksgiving the boaters float back and forth across our front door, while the road travelers like to kick up their feet on our front porch, have an icecream and watch the boats go by.”

With 14 rooms of carefully selected heritage-quality furniture, upcountry giftware and comfy clothing, there’s plenty to tempt those daydreamers inside. A relaxed atmosphere, where everything is arranged by theme – from Country Kitchen to Bedroom Loft – encourages customers to ramble for hours.

“Our customers are always telling us how different our store looks each time they come in,” says Susan. “Even the smallest changes can have an impact and it’s this variety which keeps our clientele from becoming bored.”

The store’s Steamer’s Café serves “the best cappuccino in the Kawarthas,” along with milkshakes, icecream,

baked goods and a great selection of old-fashioned candy and treats.

Regular advertising in magazines, radio and via flyers is all responsible for attracting an average of 60,000 visitors a year. The store also decks out model homes for two local builders, which affords them additional square footage and the ability to show their product in a home setting.

Community involvement is a very important aspect of Lockside’s business model. In 2006, they raised $30,000 for their local health centre through their annual music festival, which honours Brian and his battle with cancer.

The store was instrumental in founding the Young’s Point Business Association, which has worked to bring numerous improvements to the community, including a new bridge and highway.

Listening to their story it’s clear Lockside Trading Company is about more than just product. It’s a store where employees love what they do and are encouraged to change the lives of those they live among.