| Community Futures
Newsask
Sisters Revive Shoal Lake Store
When sisters Norma and Laverna Bear opened a
confectionery store on the Shoal Lake Cree Nation in 1999, they
had no experience in retail. However, they knew the reserve needed
a store, even though the previous band-operated store had closed
down because it was not able to break even or turn a profit. The
sisters and business partners pooled their own money and received
a grant from Aboriginal Business Canada to launch their store.
They rented the old store building from the band and began their
education in retail.
"It took a lot of hours, sometimes
until one or two in the morning," says Norma, "but
our employees know the routine now."
By 2001 the business was successful: so successful
that the sisters constructed a new building, with help from a
loan from NewSask Community Futures Development Corporation and
another grant from Aboriginal Business Canada. The store offers
mostly confectionery items, but also stocks some meat and grocery
products, and will special-order hardware items. A gas bar brings
a lot of traffic to the store, Norma says. The majority of customers
are from among the approximately 500 residents on the reserve.
She attributes their success with good customer relationships
and consistent treatment of suppliers.
"Band customers who have store accounts
can charge their groceries. Later, the charges are deducted from
their payroll or social assistance by the band administrators,"
Norma explains. "The band is very helpful in doing the deductions
for the store because it helps to keep the store accounts up-to-date.
As for our suppliers, we don't leave any bills unpaid more than
a week. We've always kept our loan with NewSask up to date. Judy
(NewSask Manager Judy Childs) and Cindy (NewSask Business Analyst
Cindy Reaume) have come out a few times to offer encouragement."
The two original partners have since added a
third, Band Administrator Bernalda Young. They leave the day-to-day
operations to the staff of two full-time, two part-time and two
casual employees. Norma continues to work as housing coordinator
for the reserve and Bernelda does the administration work for
the band. Laverna is currently studying for her social work degree.
"We're committed to do what's best for the community,"
Norma says.
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