Coronavirus: Small businesses getting creative to survive holiday season

A new survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business shows Canadians only plan to spend a third of their holiday budget at small, local stores.

When the coronavirus pandemic closed the doors of Kim Smiley’s business, she opened a window.

Unable to have customers in her store due to COVID-19 restrictions in Toronto, the fashion activist is now offering personalized window shopping sessions instead — door open or closed, at the customer’s preference.

Customers can book personalized appointments with Smiley or a stylist, and see her products either through the glass window at her storefront, or through the open main door. If it’s done behind glass, customers can be on the phone throughout the appointment, and Smiley will model pieces they’re interested in. If they make a purchase, they can get “curbside delivery” on the spot.

Competing with the big box stores means having to get creative as Abigail Bimman explains.

MORE: https://globalnews.ca/news/7511970/personalized-window-shopping-mini-pop-up-markets-how-businesses-are-innovating-amid-covid-19/

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