It’s a competitive business world out there and it seems that even includes thrift shops.
The Cowichan Family Life Thrift Store on Canada Avenue will be closing its doors at the end of the month.
Ken van Deventer says spiraling overhead costs, an overabundance of thrift stores in the Cowichan Valley and the inability to recruit enough volunteers to operate the shop led to the difficult decision to close after seven years.
The going-out-of-business sale is underway and there will be sales every day leading up to a clearance sale during the last week. Store hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays. The last day of operation will be Friday, Jan. 31.
For further information, contact CFLA at cfla@cowichanfamilylife.org or 250-748 -8281.
• • •
Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union, has announced the winners of the 2018 Fan Choice Awards. Among them is Duncan’s popular salon, Hair at 60 Queens.
“I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we received during the Fan Choice Awards,” says Barb Stevens, owner of Hair at 60 Queens.
“I’ve always believed that small business is the heart and soul of a community, but to see people come together and rally behind their favourite local businesses in the Fan Choice Awards is truly inspiring. Thank you Island Savings!”
Popular in the Duncan area, Hair at 60 Queens has been a Fan Choice Award recipient for three years running and it’s no surprise. Known for their friendly service and quality cuts, the team at Hair at 60 Queens also does their part to give back to the community.
This past October, they participated in the Day of Service at Duncan United Church, providing haircuts for the city’s homeless.
This Duncan business is one of several small and mid-sized businesses throughout Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands that have been recognized in the Fan Choice Awards.
“Small businesses are the cornerstone of our economy and in 2017, over one million B.C. residents were employed by a small business,” says Mark deMedeiros, of Island Savings.
“When we look at the engagement levels of our Fan Choice Awards, it’s encouraging to see that the ‘buy-local’ movement is alive and well with so many people in the community advocating for their favourite small businesses.”
This year’s full list of winning businesses include: Best Food & Drink: Auntie Pestos, Salt Spring Island, Hearthstone Bakery, Nanaimo, Moo’s Pizza, Cobble Hill, The Very Good Butchers, Victoria; Best Retail Store: Beyond the Usual, Chemainus, Russell Books, Victoria, The House of Leaves & Bamboozle, Coombs, Twang & Pearl, Salt Spring Island; Best Beauty & Wellness: Hair at 60 Queens, Duncan, North End Fitness, Salt Spring Island, Oxygen Yoga & Fitness – Saanich, Victoria, Serenity Hair Studio, Nanaimo.
• • •
If you’ve ever wondered why your insurance premiums keeping rising — and who hasn’t — you might just have a chance to get some answers.
The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce has invited Aaron Sutherland, vice president of the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s Pacific division to be its first luncheon speaker for 2019.
The luncheon will be on Thursday, Jan. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Hotel and Conference centre.
Chamber executive director Sonja Nagel says Sutherland’s presentation will be timely.
“Right on the heels of announcements that ICBC has been approved to hike insurance rates by 6.3 per cent, Mr. Sutherland will explain how private insurers are poised to support the insurance marketplace and improve affordability for B.C. drivers,” Nagel says.
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national association of Canada’s private home, business, and auto insurers. Unlike here in B.C., in most other Canadian provinces auto insurance is provided by private insurers in a competitive marketplace, a model that has proven to deliver more affordable auto insurance with increased customer satisfaction.
