Businesses Embracing Change in Troubling Times

Pivot. Adapt. Be resilient. 
It’s been the mantra for businesses this past year. While it would be easy to be crushed under the avalanche 2020/21 has dumped on us, some have turned the tables and made this past year into one of opportunities.
During the Great Depression, General Motors changed their business model to offer more affordable cars to struggling citizens who could no longer afford their luxury automobiles. This lifted GM to tycoon status, leaving their competitors, in the proverbial dust. Presently, we have local inspirational stories like this.
Alicia Doris was laid off in early 2020 because of the pandemic. She had seen the idea of gathering local wares and selling them in a package, and thought the idea would do well in Peterborough. What started as a passion project quickly turned into a viable business: Living Local - subscription & gift boxes.
She credits the Innovation Cluster’s Starter Company Plus Program and community support for her success. During the Holiday season alone, she sold 300 custom boxes, delivering hem not only in Peterborough, but all across Canada.
“Peterborough has so much to share,” said Doris, happy that people are able to 
appreciate the handmade products made in Peterborough.
Owners of The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge weren’t able to have customers in during the lockdown, so they quickly decided to take the games directly to their customers. 
"With our dining and playing space closed, the Boardwalk Board Game Lounge is 
offering curbside pickup and contact-free delivery to help everyone get their hands on games to help keep them occupied with their lockdown buddies. Every once in a while we offer a Game Night To-Go package, bundling food, drinks, snacks, and games together,"explained co-owner Dylan Reinhart.
Owners of Full Tilt Cycle, a boutique cycling studio in Peterborough, also had the idea to bring their services directly to their customers. Their channel, @fulltiltvirtual on Instagram, is currently offering over 100 classes for free during the lockdown.
“Everyone wants home fitness right now,” explained co-owner Erin Marshall. Marshall – who had already displayed her business mogul feathers by launching Full Tilt with her partner in 
Peterborough, has expanded her wingspan again. She is now the sole Canadian distributor of the RealRyder Canada bikes.
Traynor Farms, a family-owned beef farm, decided to offer online sales and delivery last year. They were overwhelmed with the response. 
"It really boosted our sales," said Grag Traynor.
These are just some examples of how businesses were able to adapt and change during these challenging times. 
And just as our local businesses are doing their best to survive in these struggling times, we as a community must stand behind them. Order takeout. Purchase for curbside pickup. Love them on social media. Share their stories. Invest in businesses that have invested in the economy of 
Peterborough. 
#LoveLocalPtbo