Back in March 2020, the province of Ontario closed all non-essential stores from the public in an attempt to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In May, retail businesses with street entrances were given the go ahead to open back up with the option of offering curbside pick-up to their customers. Since then, Ontario has slowly opened up restaurants and malls under strict rules, including the mandatory rule of wearing a mask or face covering. Fast forward six months and the pandemic is still just as prevalent. With the public being urged to stay at home, small and medium-sized business are feeling some of the worst financial effects of this virus. The mantra of mainstream media recently has been to support local small businesses. However, while gyms and restaurants have been receiving lots of attention and coverage, businesses that lie outside the mainstream are also facing and finding ways to adapt, outside of the spotlight.
Odyssey Books and Resource Centre is one of Canada’s largest and most diverse metaphysical stores, located in The Courtyard of the Pickering Village in Ajax, Ontario and has been in operation for 24 years this month. It offers specialized books and gifts designed to increase awareness and enhance personal discovery, development and growth. Owner and founder, Debbie Purvis, mentioned how Odyssey came to be all those years ago. “The idea came to me during a Meditation and Spiritual Development course that was being taught by Fay [who now teaches at Odyssey].” Odyssey is an independent business both in size, taking up only two small rented units, and in scope as it caters to a local market. Businesses, like Odyssey, have had to adapt and innovate in order to keep their customers safe while also keeping their head above water.
Taking the necessary steps to safety
In terms of physical changes, Odyssey has had to limit customers allowed in store to a 10-person maximum and ask that each customer use the hand sanitizer dispenser at the entrance of the store. Signs decorate the store asking customers to limit their touching of products. “We have people that sanitize everything so that our customers can still touch.” Lisa Parker, a reflexologist who teaches yoga with Reiki classes with Odyssey, says when asked about the steps they were taking towards safety with COVID-19. This includes frequently touched surfaces such as bookshelves, displays, PIN pads and door handles. Odyssey has also cut back their hours of operation each week to limit contact with as many people as possible and have closed their washrooms to the public. They have also started offering online and phone orders that can be picked up in-store for a quick and easy shopping experience. Despite the changes made to the way their business is run, Odyssey has managed to attract more customers than ever before.
Surge in customers searching for personal discovery
Unlike other small businesses who have struggled with being able to stay open during the pandemic, Odyssey has been bringing in more customers. “We’ve actually had a surge in customers. People who are really looking for that outlet.” Parker says. It is no surprise that self-isolation has been hard on some people. Those suffering from pre-existing mental illnesses, deprived social butterflies, and simply just people who have had more time to think about their own personal growth have struggled with the pandemic and the demands that it makes to keep people healthy. Odyssey staff say they’ve noticed more people coming into their store, asking questions and purchasing books to help them with personal discovery or just simply pick up a new hobby. Prior to the rise of COVID-19, Odyssey offered a variation of specialized in-person classes ranging anywhere from tarot card readings to intuitive reflexology. In order to keep up with clients, Odyssey has switched over to online Zoom classes. Zoom has become one the most popular group video call applications worldwide since the pandemic hit. “We’ve noticed it’s a hit and miss thing with our Zoom classes.” Tara, another employee with Odyssey, says. Not only has the business had to be innovative with the way it continues to sell products, but the instructors have had to adapt as well to teaching their classes effectively online. “I teach more yoga related classes on Zoom and I’ve had to really adjust to that. Sometimes it’s hard to see everyone.” Parker, who also teaches a few in-person classes, says Odyssey used to host multiple in-store classes every day but have had to reduce said classes because of the health and safety guidelines around COVID-19.
Pushing on in wake of an uncertain future
The future regarding COVID-19 is an unknown one. With cases rising in the past few weeks in Durham Region, and especially in the surrounding regions of the GTA and Peel, it cannot be certain that these small and medium sized business won’t have to close their doors again. CFIB has estimated that approximately 160,000 businesses will close permanently across Canada. How many more will sink under the financial stress? Despite this, it seems as though some niche stores, like Odyssey, continue to find their audience amid these uncertain times while adapting and innovating to stay successful and safe during a global pandemic.