Launching a business in the midst of a recession
Thursday, April 16, 2009 | 03:46 PM ET
Submitted by Donna Saslove
About: Donna Saslove recently opened a dress and shoe store called Original on Queen Street West in Toronto. Despite the current economic climate, Donna is optimistic about the store's future and the future of retail in Canada.
My take: Even if there is a recession, it does not exist in here. I don't expect it to have an effect after prom season.
In a recession, you will still buy something that makes you feel good. We feel confident about opening the store at this time because there's nothing quite like it.
We decided in January that we would open a new store and also knew that we had to open by March break. We designed the store and totally renovated the building.
We did about a year's worth of work in three months.
We opened on the first day of March break because it's sort of the official day of prom shopping.
In a recession, people do still shop for whatever reason. You just have to have what people need and want.
Summer is here and I'm confident things will get better for everyone.
Have new businesses opened up in your community? Are you seeing a lot of closures? Send us your report.
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Comments
Ricardo
Montreal
All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure. Mark Twain
To accomplish great things we must not only act but also dream, not only plan but also believe. Anatole
bon chance!
Posted April 17, 2009 12:07 PM
Anonymous
" Even if there is a recession, it does not exist in here. "
I like this kind of thinking as I share the same.
It is quite obvious to me that the corporate wealthy and elite tried their best to manufacture a recession that did not exist so they could further profit at the expense of the non corporate wealthy and the at the expense of the non elite.
... as far as Donna Saslove and me are concerned a manufactured recession is just not going to happen.
Keep on Chooglin' Donna !
Posted April 17, 2009 02:05 PM
Anon
I think it's great that some people are not feeling the effects of this, very real, recession. I would not wish what we're going through on anyone - all the power to you if you've managed to escape it. However, please show a little respect to those of us who are losing our jobs because of cuts backs, or worrying constantly about whether we'll still have a job when we go in to work tomorrow. For some of us, this is all very real.
Posted April 18, 2009 08:50 AM
ol guy
who do you have to know at cbc to get this kind of free publicity ?
Posted April 18, 2009 08:53 AM
Ian
Calgary
As someone who has seen 1500 of 2000 people laid off around him over the last 3 months - I tend to disagree.
According to Buddha's "4 Noble Truths", The root of all suffering is ignorance.
Ignorance is bliss until reality hits you.
They say the 3 person who takes over a restaurant actually makes money - the first three take the loss.
I still wish you all the luck in the world. Luck is a fickle lady.
Posted April 18, 2009 11:11 AM
Osama J
Hate to be the one bursting the bubble, but wasn't it thinking exactly like this that got us in the hole we're in?
Posted April 18, 2009 08:18 PM
Peter Jones
Canada
Ignorance is bliss... and then you go broke. There are places that won't feel as much of an impact as others but be very careful with your money. It is a world wide recession. Eventually everybody tightens their belts or they go broke. Its good to be optimistic... but don't be stupid.
Posted April 18, 2009 10:01 PM
Lily
BC
I completely agree.
I work at a costume shop and we are completely unaffected by the recession. People are still willing to dish out for that one time fun thing, they don't think of it as an expense as much as an indulgence.
Posted April 18, 2009 11:55 PM
sean
canada
I don't need a prom dress but the way that boutique is decorated, I kinda wanna buy one anyway! It looks like a fun place to shop.
Good luck with your business. I hope people in your community understand the HUGE importance of supporting small local ventures. I hope your suppliers are Canadian, too.
Posted April 19, 2009 08:05 AM
Jovan Weismiller
Edmonton
Donna,
Good attitude! Good luck!
Posted April 20, 2009 06:40 AM
anonymous
Taxes for small businesses are going through the roof.....taxes in some cases are seeing double to triple amounts for 2009. Very expensive place to do business in!
Posted April 21, 2009 04:46 AM