Shop talk

“How is business?”

BY CHARITY THOMPSON of the VBJ

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Mary Sisson

Kazoodles

Co-owner

“We try to offer kids reasons to come in here, like story time and an after-school club. January and February felt pretty slow, but we were still up 10 percent over last year. God bless those January and February birthdays.”

Laurice Brown

A Rich Woman’s Closet

Co-owner

“People went to the mall for Christmas, but women always shop. We’re doing well – we have prices women can afford and we give the personal customer service that women want.”

Jayne Smith

Le Bijou Boutique

Owner

“My core base of customers loves my events. We do door prizes, discounts and refreshments. I joined the Women’s Entrepreneurs Organization and Second Society to spruce up business (and network) a bit during the hard times. You have to be proactive –It’s tough out there.”

Jenna Eckert

Mint Tea Imports

Co-owner

“We haven’t noticed it slowing down. I sense that our customer base is predominantly downtown Vancouver residents. I think these are just people who tend to be more conscientious with their purchases. … They want to support the small businesses. We want to support them and they want to support us.”