Q: What is Shelfspace?
A: Shelfspace, The Association for Retail Entrepreneurs is a community made up of retail entrepreneurs at every level: owners, regional or district managers, store managers, front line staff and industry suppliers throughout Western Canada. These individuals are forward-thinking, creative professions who strive for excellence everyday.
Q: What can Shelfspace do for me?
A: Shelfspace is here to help your business grow. We’ll help you find effective solutions to any business concerns you may have, answer your questions, and save you time and money.
Q: How do I know which membership category I fit into?
A: We have 5 categories of membership.
• Premium Business Member: the owner and/or manager who deals with the day-to-day running of a retail operation. Member benefits serve both the operational and the people sides of your business.
• Associate Members: Supplier to the retail industry
• Personal Member: You work in the retail industry and are passionate about your craft. As a leader, you find value in hearing about what is going on in the industry, accessing information and connecting with others like you. Personal Members have access to benefits that serve them as individuals.
• Student Members: Students excited about the prospects of a retail future but need resources to help apply the education they have in order to further themselves. Student members have access to all the benefits that Personal Members receive.
• Subscribers: Annual subscriptions are available for Retail Connections magazine and Retail Watch (see below).
Q: I already belong to another association. Why should I join Shelfspace?
A: Shelfspace is the only association that offers services and products designed specifically for Western Canada’s retail community. The quality of our products and services reflects our dedication to helping you succeed in your business and become more profitable. Bottom line…we know retail!
Q: What are the benefits of membership in Shelfspace?
A: For Premium Business, Personal and Student Members:
• Advocacy- In dialogue with members, Shelfspace develops and advocates on a variety of topics to ensure that the voice of retailers is heard by government and other key stakeholders.
• Shelfspace also offers information services to help members with their business inquiries. If we don’t have the answers you are looking, we can put you in touch with someone within our community who can.
• www.shelfspace.ca is THE virtual hub. Here are some highlights:
► The Retail Library is a one-stop-shop for relevant retail information. With categories from Inventory to and Loss Prevention, these ‘shelves’ offer a reminder of some long held retail basics.
► The Shelfspace Blog is the place where merchants come to connect on issues and questions that they are looking to their peers and association for answers.
► Shelfspace Marketplace is a virtual marketplace where members can share offers, products and services with other members.
► Our Resources section has helpful and practical tools and guides to assist in dealing with training, health and safety and tons more!
• Shelfspace offers a variety of publications designed to keep the retail industry informed on trends, issues and activities taking place in BC, Alberta and beyond.
• Throughout the year, we offer a variety of events across BC and Alberta. The format varies, based on the need within the area but these events are always high-quality and have opportunities to get to know others in the community.
• Shelfspace has a suite of programs and services to assist Premium Business Members in saving time and money on their business. See how below.
A: For Industry Suppliers/ Associate Members:
• In addition to having access to all of the benefits that Premium Business Members enjoy, Associate Members have access to a variety of ways to market their company to Shelfspace's community.
• Our online Supplier Directory provides not only Shelfspace’s Members but the general public access to an Associate Member’s Company Name, Contact Person, as well as a description and link to Website.
• The opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and promote themselves through contributing to Retail Connections magazine, as well as Shelfspace’s Retail Library.
• Ability to promote exclusive member-to-member discounts on the Shelfspace Marketplace.
• Discounts on Shelfspace events to network and develop relationships with others within the community.
Q: How can I save time and money?
A: By harnessing the buying power of its members, Shelfspace negotiates volume discounts on the services retailers need to run their businesses profitably. Some of Shelfspace’s high-calibre Costsaver programs include health and dental benefits packages, discounted merchant rates, discounted long distance rates, discounted courier rates, a gift card program, gasoline savings, travel savings and more.
Q: How much are membership dues?
A: Annual dues are based on membership category.
• Premium Business Membership: $300 plus $50 per location and includes Personal Memberships for each of the business’ staff members.
• Associate Membership: $350.00 (includes Premium Business Member Benefits).
• Personal Membership: $185.00
• Student Membership: $75.00
• Subscribers: Retail Connections Subscriber: $35.00 for 4 issues. Retail Watch is available for $50.00/month or $400.00 annually.
• Friends can register for Free at Shelfspace.ca (they do not receive Member Programs).
Q: I’m still not convinced that membership is for me. How can I take part in this community?
A: If you’re not sure yet if you’re ready to commit to a membership with us, get better acquainted by becoming a Friend of Shelfspace. Becoming a Friend is free and will get you plugged into what’s going on within the Shelfspace community and the retail industry at large.
Q: I am ready to sign up as a member, what do I need to do?
A: Simply fill out a membership application and payment. You can apply online or we can email, fax or mail the application to you. We accept payment by cheque, MasterCard, Visa and American Express. Welcome to Shelfspace!
Q: How can I contact Shelfspace?
A: Phone: (604) 736-0368 or Toll-Free 1 (800) 663-5135
Fax: (604) 736-3154 or Toll Free 1 (877) 222-9966
Email: inquiry@shelfspace.ca
Website: www.shelfspace.ca
