People don’t feel bad about buying things like a portable hard drive or toilet paper on Amazon, says Kris Burwash. They’d just end up buying those at a big-box store anyway. But there are some things that online shopping just can’t replace. The main thing is simply the experience of shopping in person. And in record stores like Burwash’s, that’s everything.
Burwash started his business when he realized he was only able to find the music he wanted to buy online, and he wanted to create a place where people have the experience of shopping in-person for a variety of music.
“There’s that sort of fairy-tale mystique of going into record stores,” says Burwash, who owns Edmonton business, Listen Records. You’re supposed to go in there, be judged harshly by the overly analytical person behind the counter, and find even more unique musical choices to add to your repertoire.
Granted, Burwash reassures he’s anything but judgmental — he loves experimental music but also enjoys chatting with Swifties.
“Every movie that romanticizes record stores has the staff that’s gatekeeping, judgey whatever. But, they’re literally paying my rent, so what do I care?” says Burwash. “I grew up in the ’90s, going to the city and getting a stack of CDs and getting excited about new music. And I like a place where people can just do that.”
He’s had people venture into his store while on a date; it’s not just about buying something, it’s an experience.
Taylor Walker, owner of Jilly’s Boutique, sees small businesses in a similar light. Walker used to be an x-ray tech, but didn’t feel the profession was the right fit. She left her career and took a job at Jilly’s Boutique, thinking it would be temporary. But she fell in love with working at the store. When the former owner left to raise a family, Taylor and her mom, Laurie Walker, bought it.
It’s a family affair. Her dad even stops by daily to take out their cardboard and just help with odds and ends. That family atmosphere even extends to their customers, many of whom are regulars. The shop provides community building that’s not possible online.
“I even have one customer who kindly offered to watch my dogs the day of my wedding. And I said: you know what, you can come to the ceremony, and the dogs will be in the ceremony. And then after we’ve had pictures, you guys can take them,” says Taylor. “So, the store ended up being like a nice little family.”
Karen Visser, founder of home decor company, Bella Casa, also sees the community building that’s happened throughout the years with her business. She’s had loyal customers from the beginning and as they move into new homes, the team has helped pick out items and decorate each new place.
“You get to know people’s families and kids and grandkids; whose kids are getting married, what vacation they’re on. They get to know me, and I get to know them as well,” says Visser.
As a child, Visser was always interested in colours and design. She used to create elaborate dollhouse rooms out of cardboard and decorate them.
Eventually, she started decorating real rooms as an interior designer before she realized it would be great to include products for people to buy through a store at Crestwood Mall.
The business started out in 1994 with a focus on drapery, evolving into full decorating services for clients and show homes with a huge selection of luxurious bedding and home accessories, including area rugs, upholstery, furniture sourcing, and home decor. The majority of her products can not be found online, only in boutique stores.
In 2012, Visser’s daughter, Elysia MacDonald, joined the business after graduating from the University of Alberta’s Textile and Residential Interior program. She’d spent her childhood watching her mom carry around paint chips from room to room — Visser laughs that, for a while, her daughter thought that was the extent of her job.
MacDonald developed a passion for the business from being surrounded by it growing up. She became an interior designer herself, starting GS Studios, which partnered with Bella Casa to offer full interior design services.
“There’s a certain element of trust when you say: Oh, my daughter will be doing it,” says Visser. There’s consistency and care with a family-owned business, she says.
Burwash, Walker and Visser all agree that if they could go back in time they’d just encourage their younger selves to go for their dreams. Owning a business is not easy, but passion and knowledge have served all three well.
And for Burwash, having a building with low rent has been one of his keys to success; though, he says, if he could go back in time, he’d buy a building since corporate rent prices are unstable and can increase without warning. But by striking the right balance, he’s able to sell what he wants without worrying constantly about the bottom line.
Ultimately, all the business owners would like to see the local business scene continue to receive support and recognition.
“Local businesses keep the city fun and different and give us something to do on the weekend that’s not just your average thing,” says Walker. “I think the trend is moving that way but I hope more people realize we’re out there more.”
