By Alex McCuaig

Downtown businesses

Business is good for downtown shops, despite provincial economic downturn

Oct 13, 2019 | 12:26 PM

Medicine Hat, AB – It has been a tough go for city businesses affected by the economic downturn over the past three years but a number of downtown retailers say their shops are doing well.

Ashley Walker, owner of Wild Clover Clothing, said her business is relatively new but since opening a year and a half ago, the shop has been well supported.

“I do think there is a niche here in Medicine Hat that are looking for small businesses and there are not a ton of shopping options here,” said Walker. “This community is very community orientated so I really find people want to support local than going to the big city and getting something else or shopping online.”

She added that while Wild Clover is only open between Wednesday and Saturday and likely won’t benefit from opening more, “those four days are steady and busy.”

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Walker also credited the City Centre Development Agency (CCDA) for its efforts in promoting downtown businesses. That’s something owner of The Hat’s Olive Tap Carmen Lambert also cited in helping city centre businesses, along with the Chamber of Commerce and municipal incentives.

“We’re doing really good actually,” said Lambert. “We just celebrated three years in business in August and we are still finding we’re growing as a business. . .We haven’t felt a negative impact from the economy right now.”

Lambert cited a number of factors for her business doing well, such as offering a unique product.

“Other businesses might be feeling a slow down with kids getting back to school and sports starting up and the routine changes and based on what the product they are selling – is it a need or luxury,” said Lambert.

Two other downtown retailers CHAT News spoke to, Gravity Sports and Grass City Growers, also stated that sales have been good despite the downturn.