Facebook helps businesses endure pandemic
Treasured Friends Gift Shop owner Janet Barrie sums up the past year's pandemic in one word: scary.
When she closed the store in March of 2020, she had no idea what would happen next. Her lovely two-storey shop with original tin ceiling is somewhat of an institution on King Street in Bridgewater, with the first floor dedicated to women's wear and gift items and the second floor to consignment.
Over the years she has established a loyal clientele who follow her daily posts on Facebook, watching for deals and asking for items to be put on hold. It's the shop in town that was known for open house events with home baked treats, Easter egg events, wine and cheese nights and celebrating the holidays.
On the main floor, there is a new section of products that weren't here last year: face masks. And lots of them. You will also find a selection of items made from Nova Scotia tartan – placemats, aprons, scarves, and yes, face masks.
There was a surge in Nova Scotia pride last year as everyone sheltered in place and supported fellow Nova Scotians when disaster struck. In fact, when Barrie realized people were purchasing the tartan scarves and cutting them to wrap around trees, she brought in as much of the fabric as she could find and sold pieces at a much lower price so the scarves could remain intact.
When the shop first closed, people were dropping consignment items off at her house. Deliveries of new product were also being made there. All the while, Barrie was busy keeping her more than 3,000 Facebook followers engaged – taking photos in a makeshift studio in her home and posting most evenings. Regulars are keen for new consignment items as the fun is in the hunt for a great bargain. Facebook was Barrie's only source of marketing and she's not sure what it would have been like without it.
There were very few days when she was closed to the public that she wasn't working on her business. She wasn't forced to close but if no one was out and about, there was no point in keeping the store open. Everyone was at home, so she tested the demand for jigsaw puzzles and found success. More puzzles were ordered. She arranged to meet people at the store, sometimes two or three times a day, and even delivered directly to customers' homes. Her single focus goal was to pay the necessary utilities and keep the store going.
At the end of April, she was able to reopen for a few days a week with limited hours, and by the end of June, she brought back two part-time employees and keep the store open six days a week.
With all of Barrie's efforts and loyal customer base, the last year has been a good year. It seems the community and Nova Scotians, in general, have embraced ‘supporting local.' And the trend is continuing, as she welcomes new customers and returning customers from years ago, who are visiting the store again.
When the masks come off, she'll have to relearn who they all are. Barrie has seen many people coming from further away – Liverpool, Shelburne, Halifax. Not being allowed to leave the province has meant a drive to the South Shore is a good day trip.
“Every month last year we had to hold our breath wondering what would happen,” says Barrie. She is hopeful with the reopening of the Atlantic bubble more people will travel to the South Shore because the area has to offer - not only great shopping and dining but beautiful beaches and recreational activities too.
This article was originally published in The Chamber’s Voice newsletter. More information on the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce can be found online at bridgewaterchamber. com or email info@ bridgewaterchamber.com.
IF YOU GO:
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What: Treasured Friends Gift Shop
Where: 505 King St., Bridgewater