Sylvie Neville is the owner of Pick It Fence on Raglan Street. (Sherry Haaima photo)
This Saturday, Nov. 30 is Small Business Saturday and Sylvie Neville of Pick It Fence is joining Renfrew’s downtown business owners in encouraging as many people as possible to shop local.
The Small Business Saturday initiative is led by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and has been around for several years, but this year Neville wanted to make it a priority for downtown Renfrew
It’s a wonderful way for the community to gather in support of local business, said Neville, and of course, get some holiday shopping done.
Renfrew has such an amazing downtown, she said, noting refurbishments to several Raglan Street properties have made it even more lovely.
There’s plenty of parking, it’s easy to walk and there are numerous options for eating and drinking, said Neville. And the variety of shops means there’s just about something for everyone.
The past several years have been particularly challenging for some small businesses and things like the ongoing postal strike just add to the chaos, so Neville said it is increasingly important to support local.
These business owners are the same people who constantly support local causes and events and have a real stake in the community.
Case in point, donations for the Renfrew food bank will be collected this Saturday.
Neville makes it a priority to support local non-profits, as well as fellow businesses.
Pick It Fence has been in business for almost 29 years and Neville credits her (“amazing!”) customers and staff (“the best!”) for making the business what it is today.
She’s looking forward to greeting customers, both return and new, this Saturday.
Neville said she understands that some people’s shopping needs and wants will take them beyond the downtown. Just make an effort to support small businesses and help them thrive, she said.
It’s a special day to be visiting the downtown also. The Downtown Renfrew BIA and the Renfrew and District Food Bank, in partnership with the Town of Renfrew, are hosting the Light Up the Square Event, beginning at 4 p.m. in Low Square (tree lighting at 6 p.m.)
(Written by Sherry Haaima)