Small + Mighty: Valley Online, discounts aren’t just for friends and family
Posted March 9, 2021 10:09 am.
Last Updated March 10, 2021 11:33 am.
This feature is brought to you in partnership with Moneris.
Canadian small businesses have met with extraordinary adversity this past year, with many being forced to accept challenging new realities and devise even newer approaches to thrive within them. We sat down with small businesses from across Canada to see how they have adapted, what they have overcome, and why they are optimistic of the future. Every week we will be bringing you another one of their unique stories.
For this week’s edition, we sat down with Tia Small, owner of Valley Online an online group shopping site that features great deals and unique sourcing on home décor and clothing based out of Grand Valley, Ontario. Join us as Tia runs us through how Valley Online has managed to thrive during Covid.
What are some of the issues you’ve been able to overcome during Covid?
“Being a new business that faced so many new restrictions, we’ve been able to align with other small businesses in outdoor and online markets, product giveaways and other efforts allowing us to be continue to build relationships with customers. It’s definitely been a struggle as we haven’t been able to get out and be as active and involved in our communities as we’d like to be.”
How has the transition from brick and mortar to online commerce effected your business?
“It’s been great, although we’ve been traditionally online to begin with. However, as with everything, Valley Online has had to pivot. We’ve been using Moneris to assist with our ecommerce needs. They have that all-in-one service that we’ve been after, and it’s clear we’ve mad the right decision. Our online store presence is very strong. Their rates are incredibly competitive.
What is a lesson that you’ve learned along the way?
“Adapt. You have to be able to adapt. To flex. To change. There are new mandates coming out constantly and if you’re not able to flex and pivot and work around the existing restrictions – you just have to, to survive. Finding balance is the key, offering services you didn’t pre-covid can go a long way. It’s the itty-bitty things that you don’t necessarily think of that can make a difference.”
A year from now, where do you see your business?
“I LOVED this question actually. I see Valley Online branching out farther across Ontario. We currently ship Canada-wide and are looking to gain more traction in other provinces. We’re going to also keep an eye on the economy as we hope to open up a physical store location. Whether or not we can, we will still be adapting, being innovative, and serving our customers the best possible way we can.”
‘Small + Mighty: A weekly look at how Canadian small businesses are adapting’.
