For those who haven't yet figured out, I'm a big fan of traditional shopping methods. That's not to say that I have not purchased things from the demon Amazon or its newfound competitor Temu.
When discussing independent businesses, I generally exclude franchises that operate as extensions of larger corporate entities. Franchises often impose strict limitations on the decisions of both the franchise owners and their customers. In Stettler, Alberta, there are three local businesses that merit special recognition for their dedication to the community: John's Men's Wear (johnsstettler.ca), Tom's Boots and Western Wear (tomsboots.ca), and Bloke's Bakery.
These three established Stettler Alberta businesses have provided years of service to the community and hopefully will continue to for much more time to come.
During most of my twenties and thirties, I dedicated myself to working and writing in the Toronto area. Although I would periodically return home, I consistently found myself drawn back to this city. This attraction stems from Toronto's vibrant environment where independent businesses and markets continue to flourish, thereby sustaining and enriching the communities that support them.
My love of the St Lawrence, Kensington, and Danforth Markets was always clear, as I regularly visited many of the shops and services in them. My absolute favorite market area was China Town along Dundas and Spadina, and it still is. Every weekend, you could see me going up and down Spadina Avenue looking for produce, a new pot or pan, or just heading to the Pho Hung at 350 Spadina Ave for a hot bowl of pho soup.
Not surprisingly, my last trip to Toronto saw me stay at the Chinatown Travelers Home. To me, this was a much more pleasant arrangement than wasting money on expensive hotels, as everything I needed for my stay was always just outside the door.
My other two favorite businesses along Spadina are Tap Phong Trading (tapphong.com) at 360 Spadina and Cotton Best (cottonbest.ca) at 426 Spadina.
Canadians are encouraged to shop at local stores and businesses to enhance our economy. These establishments contribute significantly to their communities, and I will continue to share information on new and independent businesses as they emerge. Both residents and tourists should fully support these enterprises, recognizing their hard work and dedication.
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