Local businesses have been forced to adapt in order to survive and operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Co-owner of Ella Lynn’s, Ali DeClerq, owner of Canadian Pure Wild Rice, Kailey Divers, and owner of Buster’s BBQ and Fort Vermillion, Natalie Welniak were all guests at the Rotary Club of Dryden’s virtual meeting on Wednesday.
Ali DeClerq explains how their business stayed afloat during the first three months of the pandemic, during lock down.
“We took 20-25 outfits and I took pictures of them, then posted them about two to three times a week. Immediately we had hits. People were at home, people were bored and wanted to support local.”
Ella Lynn’s store front is open now but DeClerq adds having an online presence was crucial during that time, to get at least some income while they were closed to the public.
DeClerq says the social media sales they did, local drop offs and pick ups would not have been possible in a big city centre.
‘We’re very, very lucky to live in a small town like Dryden. There was so many people who wanted to support us. So many people just called and said hey Ali, here’s three hundred bucks, can you give me a credit and I’ll shop online or shop when you open again.”
Through it all, DeClerq stresses the community support for shopping local has and continues to be incredible.
But there is the stark realty of owning a business during a pandemic.
Kailey Divers talks about what affected her business, Canadian Pure Wild Rice, the most.
“At first when the markets shut down, I was basically sitting at home with all my product not knowing what to do. The Kenora market, when it opened in the summer, I did go to a few of them but in the end for me it wasn’t worth it at all for the two hour drive.”
Since the newly launched 807 Collective, Divers has been able to sell more product in a safe contactless way.
All three businesses agree, thinking outside the box is key to operating in these ever-changing times.
Natalie Welniak made the decision to not open Fort Vermillion this year, due to having a young family, being immune compromised and the fact it’s a high traffic area on Highway 17.
Screenshot from Rotary’s Zoom meeting with three local businesses.
Welniak explains she’s taken that energy that would have been spent elsewhere, to focus on launching the 807 Collective.
“It’s going to be a good thing for this area and I think with Christmas coming up, people are looking to spend money locally. There’s a big shop local movement happening. So, hopefully we’ll see you at the Laura Howe Marsh on Wednesday’s picking up orders!”
Vendors show case their products on the 807 Collective online and people can place orders for contactless pick up.
The Rotary Club of Dryden commended the community for supporting local and applauded all three local business women for being creative and finding ways to get by during these difficult times.
