Celebrating Long Serving Downtown Businesses
Long Serving Downtown Businesses:
How to find success in downtown Grande Prairie!
Reflecting on the downtown’s past and what we would like to see in the future, we sat down with three long standing businesses in downtown Grande Prairie. We talked to the owners at Infotech, who just celebrated 25 years in business, Snapshot Studio, celebrating 30 years this weekend, and the Grande Prairie Pet Shop, which will be closing after nearly 50 years in business! We were able to gain some insight into what makes the downtown core a good place to do business, and how to run a successful small business for decades.
About Infotech:
InfoTech Solution Providers has been serving businesses in Grande Prairie and the Peace Region for 25 years. They specialize in managed IT services, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, network infrastructure, business continuity, and technical support. Their goal is to help local organizations leverage technology effectively, securely, and reliably so they can focus on running their businesses.
Here’s what Trevor Matkowski, President at InfoTech Solution Providers Inc. had to say!
What is the best part of operating your business downtown?
“One of the best parts of being downtown is the strong sense of community. We enjoy being close to our clients, neighbouring businesses, and community organizations. The downtown core provides opportunities to build lasting relationships and stay connected to the people and businesses that help make Grande Prairie thrive.”
What changes have you seen downtown over the years? What would you like to see?
“Over the years, we’ve seen downtown continue to evolve with new businesses, redevelopment projects, and community initiatives that help keep the area vibrant. Like many communities, there have been challenges along the way, but there has also been a strong commitment from business owners and community leaders to keep improving the downtown experience. Looking ahead, it would be great to see continued investment in beautification, public spaces, and improved parking options that make it easier for customers, employees, and visitors to access and enjoy downtown businesses.”
What advice would you give to new businesses opening downtown?
“Get involved in the community and build relationships. Downtown businesses succeed when they become part of the local network and support one another. Focus on providing excellent service, be visible, participate in local events, and take the time to understand the needs of your customers. The connections you build can be just as important as the products or services you offer.”
What is new and exciting for your business?
“As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we continue to expand our managed IT and cybersecurity offerings to help local businesses navigate an increasingly complex technology landscape. We’re focused on delivering proactive technology solutions that help organizations improve security, productivity, and reliability. We’re excited to continue growing alongside the businesses and communities we serve throughout the region.”
About Snapshot Studio:
Snapshot Studio is a small business with a big heart! They appreciate their customers and always strive to do their best for them. They offer all kinds of photo shoots both in the studio and on location- from family, grad, pets, and school to their very fun Old West parlour photos! They also carry a huge variety of frames in store, can take government photos for passports, etc. in the studio with a guarantee. Another special product they carry in store is the beautiful signed artwork by local artist Ray Laurin.
Dianne Laurin, owner at Snapshot Studio, spoke about her 30 years in business, the challenges and changes the downtown has seen, and what she is looking forward to in the future.
What is the best part of operating your business downtown?
“The best part of doing business downtown is my customers. They are very loyal.”
What changes have you seen downtown over the years? What would you like to see?
“The downtown core has gone through major and much needed overhaul. The infrastructure needed to be redone. It may not have been done to everyone’s liking, but it needed to be done! Many old and new businesses make it a great place to be. The one thing I would like to see is building owners taking more pride in their buildings. Many, many owners have updated their buildings recently and it makes a much more pleasant place for our customers to do business in!”
What advice would you give to new businesses opening downtown?
“For any new businesses looking to open downtown, just believe in yourselves and what you are going to provide your customers. Our customers are the heart of our businesses and if we keep them in mind, we will be fine. Be open to change in order to advance your business. And have fun!”
What is new and exciting for your business?
“This next month or so we are highlighting our Old West parlour photos. (Pictured below.) It is so much fun watching everyone dressing up in costumes and having fun.”
Dianne also added, “I have thought about retiring but am still having too much enjoyment with my customers.” We think that is something incredible to aspire to!
And finally, we got to speak with Agnes, who has owned Grande Prairie Pet Shop for nearly 50 years, and built her iconic downtown storefront nearly 40 years ago. Watching Agnes with her customers, it’s easy to see why she’s been here so long – she is knowledgeable and incredibly kind, and she loves to talk to people about their pets!
About Grande Prairie Pet Shop:
The Grande Prairie Pet Shop carries everything you may need for your pet – from cages to carriers, food, toys, and everything in between. Whether you have a dog, cat, lizard, birds, or fish, you will find supplies. This store has been a staple in Grande Prairie since the downtown location was built in June of 1987, a site she chose so she could build exactly what she wanted.
What changes have you seen downtown over the years? What would you like to see?
“There’s been so many changes in the last forty years. We had a population of maybe 15,000 when I opened, and the town was nice and quiet.”
What advice would you give to new businesses opening downtown?
“Open something you can’t find anywhere else. There’s so much competition from large corporations that can make it difficult for independents, so open something unique!”
Agnes is looking to sell her business so she can move to Edmonton to be with her family. She is currently having a storewide closing sale, so now is the time to go stock up on dog and cat food, aquarium supplies, or whatever else you may need! We wish her all the best in her next adventure and thank her for her many years in the downtown business community.
