Sometimes small businesses know how to have a good time. Sure, big box stores have sales and discounts, but when was the last time you had a genuinely unique shopping experience? Darryl Spiers, owner of Cyber City Comix (1025A Steeles Avenue West, Toronto) hosted his annual “Wine and Cheese” day this week. Why? Because he knows his customers.
“This is more of a t-shirt and jeans kind of store,” said Spiers as he unpacked his Wednesday shipment wearing a suit and tie.
“But now it’s a tradition, like Anime North or Fan Expo,” continued one of Cyber City’s regular customers, grabbing a slice of cheese.
“It started years ago. I’m not a suit guy but I had to buy one for a wedding and I thought it would be funny to surprise people and wear it to work. Some of my regular customers had a few bottles of wine. Now we do it every year.”
The Cyber City Comix staff put on their best suits and greeted customers as they came to pick up their new books. Wednesday is new comic book day, so the store was quite busy. Even the store mascot, Dexter the dog, was getting into the celebration, nibbling on crackers and entertaining the customers. “He has a dress collar but I forgot it at home,” Spiers admits. “He loves it. People try to feed him all day.”
The juxtaposition of the tiny store, packed to the gills with books, action figures, and statues, and the plates of cheese, wine, and classical music put a smile on the faces of regular customers and new customers alike. It’s unexpected and unique. Fun. Speirs laughed. “We don’t go all the way though. I haven’t pulled out the stemware.”
Small business owners know what makes their stores unique. Whether it’s a special sale, book signing, or a Wine and Cheese day, giving back to their customers makes everyone happy. Spiers sums up his reasoning perfectly. “It’s fun.” Is there any better reason than that?
Do you run a small business? Has one of your favourite stores had an interesting event? What was your favourite? Let us know in the comments.
