'It's wonderful': Newmarket store owner applauds support for businesses hobbled by COVID-19

York Region commits $500,000 in to help local businesses struggling due to coronavirus pandemic

Yorkregion.com
July 9, 2020
Aileen Zangouei

As small businesses are reopening as part of Stage 2 of the provincial orders during the coronavirus pandemic, York Region council has decided to refocus its Starter Plus Program and use $500,000 of funding to help local businesses recover.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted our economy and local businesses,” York Region chairman and chief executive Wayne Emmerson said. “We are supporting York Region businesses through the reopening of our community and economic recovery.”

Part of this decision was made since “many businesses across York Region have expressed concern and uncertainty over the ability to withstand and recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Charles Banfield, manager, Strategic Economic Initiatives for the region, said.

Statistics Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce conducted a survey meant to gather feedback from 1 per cent of Canadian businesses during the period of April 3 to 24.

York Region respondents made up of 8 per cent of the study, and 90 per cent of that were small businesses.

Part of the survey found that 72 per cent of businesses have been negatively impacted by social distancing measures, and 70 per cent of the respondent’s workforce can’t carry out a majority of duties during the pandemic.

Cathy Humpage and Kim Ostryhon co-own Newmarket Main Street’s Still in Style Resale Boutique and said the pandemic has “certainly impacted” them.

The pandemic caused them to temporarily close their doors and they received support from the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

Still in Style, a 30-year-old business where Humpage and Ostryhon started out as employees in the 90s, and in 2015 became the owners, sells footwear, clothing, jewellery, and handbag consignment pieces, meaning part of their business depends on people bringing in their things to consign. Due to the restrictions around COVID-19, Humpage said they have had to put taking new consignment pieces on hold.

“Luckily, we have a store full of items,” Humpage said which range from consignment pieces to new items.

Humpage added that since they reopened in late June, it’s been pretty quiet and said it may depend on how comfortable people are shopping in a clothing store at this time. “We steam all clothing that’s been tried on, it’s all been sanitized, so people don’t have to worry to try things on. We are also sanitizing the change rooms as they are being used.”

“It’s a great place to shop on a tight budget,” Humpage said, adding that at times they have luxury brand consignment pieces from Prada, Louis Vuitton, and more.

Humpage said the region’s decision to support local businesses is “wonderful."

She added: "Being a small business owner, it is tough to come out from underneath this.”

Christine Murfin, owner of Beautiful Boutique based in Newmarket and Thornhill’s Promenade Mall, made the decision to close her Hill Crest Mall location during the pandemic.

Murfin said her business decision was the “right thing to do” since shopping experiences are meant to be happy experiences, something many friends have told her they weren’t really having.

Murfin has been in business for 17 years, and said this is part of the reason her business wasn’t "hanging by a thread.”

However, she has priced her entire store -- which sells brand new fashion clothing, footwear, jewellery, handbags, clutches, and all kinds of accessories -- for 50 per cent off, something she has never had to do before.

She said her business strategy has helped keep Beautiful Boutique profitable during these trying times, while giving back to her customers at the same time.

Although she won’t be needing the funding made available by the region, Murfin -- who has been in business for a long time and has had to deal with difficult times in the past such as the 2008 recession -- said this is important for businesses who haven’t been open for very long, “or have opened in the last year.”

Jewellery and a wide variety of accessories have been Murfin’s top sellers at this time, and she said that “most people are very happy to have a bit of normal in their life, and buy themselves a few things.”

Murfin said she is “fortunate enough” to be in the position that she is in, but due to the uncertainties around COVID-19, it could be subject to change.

According to the President and chief executive of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Tracy Walter, “the uncertainty aspect” of COVID-19 “is at the root of the problem.”

“Financial support is a core component of business continuity during these difficult times and the opportunity for businesses to access grants for Starter Company Plus does work towards supporting businesses by closing that gap,” Walter said.

“We at the Chamber of Commerce know that small businesses are key drivers of the local economy and support for SMBs is necessary to their recovery and ultimately, the revitalizing of Ontario’s Economy,” Walter added.

The Starter Company Plus programs are offered through the four Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBEC) located in Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and the York Region Administrative Centre. Information about how to apply for these programs is available on the respective SBEC websites.

The expectation is these funds will be used to deliver micro-grants to assist around 200 businesses across the region, Banfield said.