Owner of Uglistuff, Taylor Swanby straightens out her embroidered crewnecks in her shop on Oct. 21. Photo by Eryn Krebs.
Local business owners are taking centre stage this October as Lethbridge marks small business month for local entrepreneurs.
It’s a month to recognize and celebrate the independent shops and services that make up the Lethbridge community.
One of the businesses being recognized this month is Uglistuff, is a local gift shop located in downtown Lethbridge.
They are known for their fun and quirky items such as printed glass tumblers and embroidered shirts.
Taylor Swanby, the shop owner of Uglistuff, says small business month serves as recognition for small businesses and the people behind them.
“A lot goes into owning a business, like we understand big box stores very convenient, we love them but we also have our little guys that put in so much blood, sweat and tears,”
Swanby says she is happy to have this month to recognize the hard work and dedication entrepreneurs put into their businesses.
“Its just nice to have a little bit of a push in October, where people can be reminded of the little shops all around them.”
Throughout the month promotions are underway with one of them being a punch card where people can pick up a punch card at participating businesses, collect three stamps and submit a picture of the completed stamps for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree.
Promotions like this give people a chance to visit small businesses they may not have tried before before and can bring in more customers for the local businesses.
The Sill and Soil is another shop being recognized this month. The Sill and Soil is a local plant shop located in downtown Lethbridge that is known for their wide selection of lush indoor plants along with pots and accessories for planting and décor.
Michelle Robertson, owner of The Sill and Soil, has been the owner since Jan. 1, 2024. She says that even if people do not always purchase locally, it should be something to keep in mind before shopping at a big-box store.
“I understand as individuals that the average person can’t buy locally all the time but if you just make the choice even once or twice a year or spend the month thinking if there is a local option before going to a big box store, it can help a lot.”
Even though there are some areas where small businesses struggle, Robertson says she describes the local market in Lethbridge as extremely supportive.
“Everybody is there for each other whether it’s on Instagram or word of mouth. I think there are some groups that stand out not just from downtown but across Lethbridge which is where I feel very supported.”
She describes it as community over competition.
As the small business month draws to an end, both shops continue to see more growth and support within the small business community.
Whether it’s finding the perfect plant or a fun glass tumbler, both of these shops continue to brighten up not only homes, but the community with how they care for their customers who walk through their doors.
