Where the pair used to memorize their clients preferred haircuts and colours, they now know them by their cheese tastes. “We have something for everyone—favourites like brie, cheddar and gouda, to stronger, more adventurous choices like 10- year cheddars, washed-rinds and flavoured cheeses,” says Tracy. Tracy’s personal favourite is Adoray, a soft washed-rind cheese wrapped in a strip of spruce bark. Kelly’s favourite is Grey Owl, a surface-ripened goat's milk cheese produced in Quebec. Downtown businesses pivot “Tillsonburg has been fortunate throughout the pandemic,” says Mark Renaud, executive director of the Downtown Tillsonburg Business Improvement Area. “Obviously some businesses have struggled more than others, but on the whole, I think we’ve seen a remarkable display of resilience. Necessity is the mother of invention, and I think that’s certainly been true here. The business owners have been so creative in finding a way forward in spite of very difficult circumstances.” Cherished Pieces at 142 Broadway, for instance, engaged customers during lockdown with weekly Facebook Live videos. Two years ago, the idea of trying to sell quilting fabric and notions solely through video and social media would have been laughable. But the store now boasts nearly 2500 Facebook fans, many of whom make a point of tuning in every Wednesday morning to see what’s new and connect with fellow sewing enthusiasts.
“We’ve even had several brand new businesses open during the pandemic which is even more impressive,” says Mark. Travis Propper, proprietor of Tillsonburg Hobby Central (75 Broadway) opened his business in July last year. With an entrance on Baldwin Street, the store specializes in carrying puzzles, games, craft supplies, collectibles, model kits and radio control gear. You’ll even find a selection of video games and movies. “We're hoping to help supply everyone a little something for their hobby they love to do,” says Travis. In a year when there was literally nothing to do but stay home, Tillsonburg Hobby Central couldn’t have come at a better time. Rinconcito, a new Mexican grocery store also opened last year at 1 Library Lane. Small but mighty, the store carries an excellent selection of Mexican
products including fresh produce, beverages, tortillas, salsas and even take-out lunch items. “People want to shop to in town if they can,” says Mark. “But to do that, they need stores that carry the things they’re looking for. It’s great to see independent retailers opening up to fill those gaps.” “I’m feeling very positive about the future,” he says. “Has it been hard? Absolutely. But if there’s one thing people in Tillsonburg are good at, it’s rising to the occasion and working together as a community. COVID-19 isn’t something any of us wanted, but we’re learning fromthe experience and emerging stronger for it.”
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