Greetings Beading Friends!

We continue to get questions about the possible impact of the Trump administration’s decisions on tariffs so thought we would let you know our current thinking. Obviously, we will not know for certain what will happen until it happens but here is the lay of the land right now especially for those of you who are making efforts to not buy products from the United States.

We make every effort to buy merchandise directly from manufacturers but because we are a small business this is sometimes not possible. Some manufacturers for items such as metal findings, tools, seed beads, displays and stringing material require purchases of extremely large quantities of individual items, and this would be beyond our financial ability and our commercial reach. Also several world wide companies limit the number of distributors they will deal with. Thus to supply the range of merchandise our creative customers need, we will have to continue to deal with some distributors in the United States. All but two are family owned companies.

Most people who have been doing business with us know that we are a family owned, Canadian company. We are proud Canadians and are grateful to live in this amazing country. We appreciate all those who “Buy Local” and are always conscious of our impact on the local community and Canada in general. We are also conscious of the tremendous value that creative activity brings to the well being of the world. We won’t stop buying from the United States distributors and manufacturers but we will make efforts to look for alternative suppliers where possible so that we can continue offering value for money. We want to do our best for you!

Reasons to Support Local Bead Stores:

• In this world of on-line shopping, supporting your local, independent brick and mortar bead and craft stores is important.
• You get to see and touch before you buy thus getting the best merchandise to realize your dream.
• Owners carefully choose what merchandise they choose to offer so you won’t see the same things in neighbouring stores ie you have choices.
• Local stores can offer expert knowledge and personalized service that you don’t get from most on-line stores. At Canada Beading we have over 70 years of combined experience enabling us to provide excellent advice and to help you solve any problems.
• Local stores offer classes and workshops which strengthen the creative community and provide inspiration for new directions.

Finally by shopping locally, you help to sustain an independent and diverse business community as well as contributing to local economic health. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business estimates that 66 cents of every dollar spent at a locally owned store “stays local” versus 11 cents when you buy at a multinational.

Seth Godin has said: "Entrepreneurship is a chance to trade a solution to someone who has a problem that needs solving". Small businesses try to solve customers problems by listening and providing a unique variety of merchandise and support.

 

Meredith, Brent and Carrie