Local entrepreneur uses Ellis construction as a way to get shoppers into Kelowna downtown location

Kelowna, BC - Jim Belshaw, owner of Roy's Shoes, Boots and Repair, at 1627 Ellis Street, Kelowna, isn't letting a little construction on Ellis deter him from making his business profitable. In fact, Jim and his staff have combined good old fashioned word of mouth with the use of YouTube to get the message out that Roy's is open for business!

In the recent YouTube video, Belshaw, equipped with dozens of long stemmed roses and a friendly smile, is determined to make sure his customers won't forget about Roy's.

And this is only one of the many innovations Belshaw has employed to drive profitability in his business. He will delve into the creative ways he employs to promote his business on Tuesday, June 8th at ReTales of Community, hosted by Shelfspace, The Association for Retail Entrepreneurs and the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission.

"Jim is a very creative and savvy retail entrepreneur" believes Sonja Kennedy, General Manager of Shelfspace. "Anyone who owns or manages a business can relate to the hassle of external circumstances affecting their bottom line. But rather than sitting back, Jim is actively driving traffic into the store and engaging customers both walking by and online. That's smart marketing and I hope his example is a bright light for other retailers who can learn from his experience".

ReTales of Community is a networking event where local entrepreneurs will join fellow owners, managers, staff and industry suppliers to connect one another, share experiences, hear about new ideas and collaborate on issues that impact their businesses and their industry.

Michael Blondé, COEDC Marketing and Research Associate, believes this ReTales event is "a great opportunity for local retailers to support one another and engage in dialogue on issues that matter to them as Okanagan retailers. Construction on Ellis is a timely issue and it's so beneficial for other downtown merchants to hear some ways to help their own businesses stay profitable".

Event Details:

Tuesday, June 8th 2010
6:30-8:30pm
Manteo Resort - 3762 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna
Shelfspace Member Cost: $10.00 / Regular Cost: $15.00 (plus GST)
Register now! Online at http://www.shelfspace.ca/    call 1-800-663-5135
or email inquiry@shelfspace.ca

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