Celebrating Independent Retailer Month
July is Independent Retailer Month, a time to celebrate independently owned businesses by shopping locally. Independent retailers are the backbone of our communities, providing jobs and unique treasures and services. According to a study by the American Independent Business Alliance, “For every $100 spent locally, at least $68 stays in the local economy. This means that each dollar spent at an independent business returns three times more money to the local economy compared to a dollar spent at a national chain.” By shopping locally, money is reinvested into our community.
At Fleetwood Bank, we deeply value the contributions of independent retailers and are proud to spotlight our esteemed partners, such as Anita Trinket. Learn more about this great local business through the eyes of Anita Tempesco, owner of Anita Trinket, in her Q&A with us below:
AnitaTrinket : A Boutique Shop
Please provide a brief history of your business - how did you get started? How have you grown?
I retired after 33 years with The Sherwin Williams Company. I knew way before that, there would be some sort of trinket shop in my future. After retirement, I started with vendor events but when the small store front became available in Fall of 2018 on Main Street in Fleetwood, I knew I had to have it. At the end of 2019, I started looking at the location where the shop currently is when an opportunity to buy it came about. The Stone Saw Mill fit all the needs for growth with furniture and workshops. Our venue space, The Barrel Loft, was the perfect fit for our business, with workshops and events. We also have renters in our building, Miller Theilan PC and Indigo Moon Massage Therapy, both of which have been great additions to The Stone Saw Mill building. Fleetwood Bank helped in the process of purchasing this building and we have been continuing to restore it since it’s one of the oldest buildings in Fleetwood. It’s important to note that our entire family is involved in this business.
What are the services you offer?
We are primarily a home décor and gift shop. However, workshops have been an amazing hit with our store, as well as the addition of Fusion Mineral Paint. With my paint history, it’s the perfect fit for furniture restoration. We do offer workshops in furniture painting, as well as Pasta classes, wreath making and many more fun events and experiences. We host small private groups for these classes as well.
Why did you choose to house your business in Fleetwood?
We love the small town feel and continue to work with other local businesses to help Fleetwood grow through the Main Street Fair and Rotary.
What services do you use with Fleetwood Bank, and how have they helped your business achieve its goals?
We have been customers with Fleetwood Bank for about five years. We have our mortgage and business checking through Fleetwood. The team at Fleetwood Bank is super helpful and supportive. The personal customer service is the best. We have friends working at this bank, as well as neighbouring businesses who use this bank, and it’s always great to see the amazing things that Fleetwood Bank does for the community.
In her feature in Bold Journey, Anita shares advice for fellow local independent business owners:
Independent retailers are essential for any community, driving economic growth and fostering a sense of identity. When you choose to shop locally, you’re ensuring that your hard-earned money stays within your community, bolstering local businesses and creating jobs. Check out AnitaTrinket’s Facebook Page to learn more and support local.
