There’s vibrancy in Nelson, BC that is unique, and in some ways inexplicable. It’s just pure positive energy. And for retailers it creates a Mecca for creativity and success. Nelson has escaped the urban sprawl, shopping center syndrome not so much by choice, but by nature of its vertical geography. This city of 10,000 diverse and interesting residents, perches on a steep mountainside like San Francisco north, nestled in the green natural paradise of the southern Selkirk Mountains. And downtown Baker Street, reflecting the true essence of Nelson, lies at its base situated parallel to the west arm of clear and pristine Kootenay Lake. It is a small ribbon of horizontal respite, featuring turn of the century heritage buildings, an eclectic artistic culture, and lush foliage. For retail shops, locals, and touring visitors it is aesthetically perfect.
Although there are both retail and service businesses located elsewhere along the narrow valley bottom waterfront, including a moderate shopping centre complex rallied around Walmart, Nelson has remained virtually free of chain stores, franchises, and strip malls common to towns of similar size. It is historic Baker Street that transcends the norm of modern day shopping, and Nelsonites revere and value this with a strong push to support local business as opposed to large corporations.
Why is it dubbed ‘historic’ Baker Street? Within Nelson’s somewhat geographically constrained city boundaries there are 350 designated residential and commercial heritage buildings, a glorious legacy from a by-gone mining era. Being centrally located in the region Nelson became the transportation and commerce center for the time, supporting rapid population growth. Along with the boom came construction of ornate and grandiose High Victorian style buildings, introduced by a transient fortune seeking population, but modified and tempered by the tastes of the conservative English settler of the day. The buildings are more typical of those in San Francisco, Seattle, and Spokane than those in eastern Colonial Canada.
These architectural delights not only house present day retail shops, restaurants and services, but their splendour provides a picture perfect back drop for the entire scene. No less than 26 fully restored commercial buildings erected in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s are located on or directly adjacent to Baker Street, astoundingly just a mere four block stretch. In the 1980’s a full restoration program of these structures was undertaken to counter an economic set-back in Nelson’s then resource based economy. The facelift project completed in 1985 accelerated Nelson’s transition into an arts and tourism based community, and became the backbone of the distinctive Baker Street “experience”.
Nelson lies in the heart of the beautiful Kootenay region of the province which boasts an unsurpassed quality of life. Untouched natural beauty, perfect climate for both summer and winter pursuits, relaxed pace, friendly people, and a deep commitment overall to personal fulfillment and quiet enjoyment of life. A phenomenon that has become known as “Kootenay Culture” it is intuitively recognized and felt by locals and visitors alike. In a sense it is the antithesis of hectic big city life. However, it is partially sustained by a complete absence of large industrial development and high intensity commerce, so paradoxically there is not an abundance of gainful employment to enjoy and support the lifestyle that is sought. Those wishing to reside here must create their own livelihood. It seems the Kootenays attracts just that kind of people…...innovative, creative entrepeneurs, artists and professionals. Barb Williams of Community Futures qualifies this. “The proof is in the statistics. The central Kootenays has the second highest growth rate for small business in the province….and notes the highest rate of business licenses being issued per capita in Canada.”
Baker Street reflects that in spades. In 2006 there were a total of 208 small business licenses issued by City Hall to retailers, restaurants and professional services solely in this tiny downtown core. Arguably well over 60% of those were issued to independent retail merchants…..everything from tiny specialty shops like Abacus Beads to large outdoor gear and clothing outlets like Valhalla Pure. If you have a solid inspired idea for retailing on this magic street you simply can’t go wrong. Why? Seems a certain combination of factors have created the perfect formula. And there’s a myriad of successful delighted merchants who understand just what makes it all tick.
Case in point…..a group of artisan/entrepeneurs collectively known as The Craft Connection. For 22 years they have pursued their vision to work for the mutual benefit of the group, to promote fine crafts, maintain steady growth, encourage fellow artisans, and increase community awareness. For some 14 years they have had a retail presence on Baker Street. The cooperative has 12 permanent members who work and manage the store, 75 consignees, and a few employees. Members also sell their wares in other outlets throughout the province, western Canada, and the USA. This allows them to live in one of the most beautiful places in Canada and still enjoy a comfortable living.
Longtime members Maureen McEwen and husband Lance Hall, operate Stillpoint Pottery creating “functional porcelain from the heart” When asked what sets Nelson apart, “We are predominately an arts community that supports other artists. As such our customers have an appreciation for the one-of-a-kind pieces we sell. An interesting comment that we often hear is that Nelson is like a big city in a small package. There’s an intense variety of interesting shops within walking distance of each other. You can park your car and enjoy the day. The restaurants are superb and numerous with a variety of tasty menus and cuisine to sustain you during your stroll.”
It has now become a tradition that many restaurants and public services double as galleries throughout the summer season. And Art Walk, a sanctioned venue that brings together entrepreneurs and local artists, has become entrenched in Nelson culture over the past decade. It provides exposure for artists, while creating energy and traffic flow for participating businesses. Opening nights generate a real party atmosphere on the street, while businesses provide appetizers and refreshments, turning each store into a little art gallery. It is social event for all!
“There is always an air of excitement on Baker Street” note Bonnie and Moss Holland - also members of the Craft Connection. “The people here are as unique as the shops, so a meander down Baker is always entertaining. …hippies, yuppies, environmentalists, outdoor enthusiasts, church goers, elders, youth, and the ever-present ‘buskers’ and street musicians. People here tend to be interested in life, social values, and other people. In any restaurant you can sit down and have an interesting conversation with someone at the next table. I have found the same spirit in retail stores as well. It is just a very positive interesting community in which to live or visit.”
Nelson was voted the Best Small Town Arts Community in Canada by an international publication, but indeed it is so much more. During the summer there are tourists drawn to the spectacular beauty of the region from Alberta and the pacific northwest USA. Many of these folks have purchased summer homes in the area and tend to stay 3-6 weeks in the summer. And in winter deep powder skiing is the best in the world. Although it tends to draw fewer visitors than larger developed ski resort areas, it attracts a discerning winter traveler that supports the local outdoor retailers who specialize in backcountry, snowcat skiing and heli-skiing. Not to mention the local outdoor addicts.
In addition to Artwalk numerous other regular events create energy and enthusiasm on the street….. the Fat Tire Mountain Bike Festival, Queen City Classic Auto Cruise, Mid-summer Curling Bonspiel and the Kootenay Film Festival to mention only a few. When an event is taking place stores will extend hours to accommodate the influx of locals and tourists. Although the increased traffic is primarily focused on the event not shopping, most merchants see this as an opportunity for attracting future potential customers and helping to build community spirit.
Business guru Valerie Semeniuk understands this perfectly. Typical of persons drawn to Nelson, she arrived 11 years ago casting aside a corporate banking job in Calgary, motivated by Nelson, the retail opportunity and area lifestyle.
What’s her educated take on the situation? “The heart of Nelson for shopping is Baker Street. It always has been and probably always will be. It is reminiscent of shopping in the old days …..the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker. All is connected and all is simple. It’s an exhilarating pedestrian experience. No driving from mall to mall…..just fresh air and conversation as you travel by foot among the multitude of shops. I am presently in my fourth location. I had to gradually make my way to the heart of town where the pulse is active. People gravitate to the physical center of town here…and it’s a simple as that!”
She comments further. “Nelson offers an incredibly diverse range of shopping options in terms of product selection. When traveling from shop to shop it becomes evident that there is not a lot of duplication. There is recognition that merchants are aware of the store next door and across the street, and are looking to meet customer needs at all levels. It translates into being able to purchase anything in town. Even locals who once had to travel to the big city to find essentials or desired products find them available here. And during the summer tourist season merchants all take the time to be curious and query visitors where they are from and what brings them to the Kootenays…thus reinforcing a laid back friendly atmosphere.”
How do merchants in Nelson differ from those in an urban center? She continues, “Most businesses have small premises, therefore the products offered are merchandised in such a way as to generate excitement quickly. This creates a certain amount of intimacy which then equates to personalized customer service and a special shopping experience. This type of service is usually welcomed into the fast paced lives of visitors from urban centers, and is an incredible asset to any business in a smaller community. Knowing your customer speaks volumes in retaining and building customer relationships.”
Angel Stuyt, another local retailing visionary had the perfect idea…...no question. Retro candy and merchandise. Offering virtually impossible to find 60’s and 70’s products like Beemans Gum, Sen Sen, Pink Elephant Popcorn, Astro Pops, and Tiny Chiclets, along with novelty merchandise featuring the likes of Betty Boop, I Love Lucy and Dr. Seuss. Implementing it was in part creating the desire for the products by making them accessible. Not something people would generally go searching for. “I believe Nelson retail is based on creating an experience before any other aspect of retail” she says. “The town itself is an experience based destination, so businesses try to create a unique situation for the consumer. And the tourists allow small business to keep its doors open for the locals, which is a win-win situation. Once you’re on Baker Street you have the best location Nelson has to offer. Storefront reduces the need for advertising dollar. There is ample evidence that even locals from other regional communities make shopping on Baker a destination event.”
Absolutely true. Veronica Paauw, and an entourage of lady friends make a pilgrimage once (sometimes twice) annually from Kimberley three hours away. And there are many others like them. The draw.… perusing Baker Street for sought after outdoor wear and women’s fashions, people watching, and the fabulous restaurants. “We find the specialty consignment stores particularly interesting, not something we have at home” she says. One of their favorites is Sweet Repeats Shoppe, a high-end consignment venue which offers new and gently used fashions and accessories. Owner Barb Hanna moved home to Nelson from Calgary 16 years ago to pursue her dream as a women’s entrepreneur and has enjoyed a decade of success in the heart of downtown Nelson.
One more local favourite. Jeff Austin and Adam Pearl may seem like a fish out of water in Nelson, but offer what might otherwise only be found in a Vancouver harbour marketplace. Fresh west coast sea food of all descriptions. They were looking for a location and venue inland close enough so they could still fish (believe it) while operating retail outlet. “The diversity of Nelson fit our idea seamlessly” says Jeff. “It’s been optimal for us and we’re proud to be part of downtown business.” Only in Nelson!
It is a wondrous place that thrives on diversity while truly remaining the quintessential small town. A place where time stands still or where energy flows like few other places? Could it be both? Why not visit and decide for yourself.
