Unique Shopping in Downtown

Orillia Packet and Times

Santa Claus may not dwell in Downtown Orillia, but the city's largest shopping district is home to a vast array of merchants who operate a little like the famous elves in Santa's workshop.

Heading into the Christmas shopping season, Downtown Orillia provides a wide range of the unique gift ideas for someone special.

"I tell people to just call me or email me and give me an idea of what they're looking for," says Joanne Haskins, who owns Jack and Maddy - A Kids Store in Downtown Orillia. "Let's say they're looking for something for a four-year-old girl. I will put together a selection of things that I know will appeal to that little girl and the customer will drop in when they can and they take a look at their options. It's basically personal shopping."

It's that brand of superior customer service you can expect from downtown merchants, says Lisa Thomson-Roop, the manager of the Downtown Orillia Management Board (DOMB).

"I think the main difference between Downtown Orillia and other shopping centres is the sheer size and huge selection that we offer," Thomson-Roop says. "But the big difference is the customer service. These are, for the most part, family-owned, family-run businesses where the owner is there every day. They'll listen and they'll help you find what you're looking for."

And if you're looking for something unique for that special person on your Christmas list, the downtown is the place to go, Thomson-Roop says.

"Whether you're looking for that something special for a mother-in-law who loves to cook, the nephew you don't see very often or the teenager who is hard to buy for ... you can find something unique in Downtown Orillia," she says.

Just ask David Lahay, who owns Lahay's Hobby and Crafts.

"We sell a lot of different things that help kids learn in a hands-on way that is fun for them," said Lahay. "We have a wide selection of crafts, model kits, railroad kits ... you name it and we have it - or can get it."

Popular games such as the Settlers of Catan series can also be found at Lahay's in addition to unique build-your-own robot and build-your-own turbine kits.

"These kits help a child understand the importance of ecology, they learn to use their hands - and it's fun," Lahay said.

The store doesn't just cater to children, however. In fact, its biggest seller is yarn. In addition, people of all ages come to the store for their crafts section and for popular items such as paint-by-number kits.

"We love being downtown," said Lahay, who moved his store from the mall more than a decade ago. "It's a more exciting atmosphere and we have the time to spend with our customers to help them, to give advice, to offer tips ... that's really important."

Janet Grand agrees. As the owner of The Bird House Nature Company, which opened 14 years ago, she spends more of her time chatting with people than racking up sales on the cash register.

"Our philosophy is that we want people to leave the store knowing more about nature than when they walked in," said Grand. "We never push it, but we'll take as much time as needed to answer any questions or talk about nature."

The store, which sounds, smells and feels like a sanctuary, also offers a unique array of bird feeders and a surprisingly large selection of Christmas ornaments and gifts - all of which have a nature theme.

"We have an incredible selection of Christmas ornaments with cardinals or owls ... people just love them," said Grand. "We often hear from our customers that they love to come downtown, visit Mariposa Market, drop in here... I think the number of loyal, repeat customers really speaks volumes."

One stereotype the downtown shop owners face revolves around prices at their stores.

"A lot of people seem to have this image that prices are higher downtown," Thomson-Roop says. "It's just not true. In fact, I often go in and say "I'm looking for something for my nephew" and I give them his age and a price point and they can accommodate me."

Haskins said her store, like most downtown, offers merchandise in many price ranges.

"You can come here and get a unique stocking stuffer for $4.99 or you can select a train set, a really special gift, for $130" she said. "There is this misconception about prices being higher downtown. In many cases, I'm cheaper than a big-box store and have better quality, better selection and superb customer service."

And that is the formula for success, merchants say.

"I think it's customer service that really sets us apart," Haskins said, noting her store offers a vast array of electronics-free toys, games and educational materials for newborns to teenagers. "If you have a question, I'll get you the answer. We can do special orders, we offer advice, we can wrap your gift ... we have the time and the desire to spend time with the customer."

In addition, the downtown exudes an atmosphere unlike any other, Thomson-Roop said.

"At this time of year, it's quite festive with the Christmas trees we've put up throughout the downtown," said Thomson-Roop. "We really have a beautiful downtown and it allows you to shop in a relaxing atmosphere."

For more information, visit downtownorillia.org.

Picture:
Joanne Haskins, owner of Jack and Maddy - A Kids Store, shows off some of the unique wares on sale in her downtown shop. Downtown merchants invite people to rediscover the downtown this Christmas season.