Sunday, July 18, 2010

Small-Mart: go small or go home

I've always cheered for the underdog.

This could be why I find it so refreshing to discover a new local haunt, my favourite new underdog, that represents the antithesis of Walmart in every way.

The name of this place? Small-Mart General Mercantile. And don't you just dig it already?

Located at 121 Ontario Street in Stratford, Small-Mart carries quirky, retro-inspired gifts, unique candy, jewellery, design items and cool Canada-esque paraphernalia.

It proudly displays local goods too, some of which include Red Canoe Heritage Brands, Klockworks, Biko Jewellery, Canada Flip Books and the hot new return of the '70s Solair chair, made in Quebec. Small-Mart even partnered with McCully's Hill Farm to create its very own maple syrup.

Small-Mart owners Carrie and Jeremy Wreford, who also own Bradshaws in Stratford, insist that their hip new haunt isn’t a sneer at the big guy, but a cheer for the small guy, and a modern adaptation of the traditional general store.

Stratford, like many other communities (notably Guelph), has fought for years to keep Walmart out of the city, because of its urban planning issues (often located on the outskirts of town and re-zoned to serve its needs while wreaking havoc on the environment and congesting roads with traffic), global mass produced products that help drive prices down while threatening small business owners trying to make ends meet. Stratford's thriving downtown, which has been praised by planners and environmental groups north and south of the border, is just too important to the city to jeopardize.

Ah, consumerism. Isn't it grand?

At least we all have choices. And Small-Mart has become one of mine.

2 comments:

  1. How did I not know about this new shop?!! I'm headed there at lunch today! Thanks!

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  2. It's great Krista - enjoy! It's sorta tucked in between shops but you'll see the balloons and sidewalk chalk, like breadcrumbs leading you there!

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