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'Tis the season for shopping local

'We like the small home town feel and getting to know our customers by name and learning their likes and dislikes so we can offer them a personal shopping experience,' says local shop owner
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U At Home in downtown Bradford

It’s a given that any industry has its ups and downs, whether it be restaurants, beauty salons, or local shops. Shops and businesses everywhere have been through a roller coaster of unprecedented circumstances in the last two years due to the pandemic. To add insult to injury, this holiday season many are also dealing with the current supply chain shortage issue.  

Local business owners, Steve and Julia Swaisland, of Bradford’s “U at Home” shop at 25 Holland St. E.  have been open for business for 12 years and have loved every minute. Their shop, which caters mainly to women with fashion accessories and decor, has something for everyone and if you like different and unique you will find it U at Home. As the Swaislands add, “We try and create a relaxed, pleasant shopping experience that makes browsing enjoyable.”

As the last two years have brought along strange times, the Swaislands feel optimistic when it comes to their business and post-lockdown life. Julia notes, “things have been improving since we have now been able to remain open on a consistent basis making shopping easier for our customers.”

She added that she and her husband work hard to offer great value to the people of Bradford and the surrounding area. 

When asked about how their business has been considering the supply chain shortage, the Swaislands mentioned it has been a challenge, and how many items will be in short supply this year. 

“Supply chain shortages have been an issue for sure, we have one supplier that we ordered Christmas Decor from last year (in) February and it will not arrive until late December,” said Julia.  “This makes it hard to sell the goods when we get it so late in the year. The cost of shipping goods around the world has increased 10 fold since before COVID which is forcing many of our suppliers to at least temporarily increase their prices.”

During the various lockdowns and health guidelines implemented at retail stores, it’s easy to see how these could impose serious challenges on a business. For the Swaislands, their business was no exception as they too felt an impact due to COVID-19. They explain how when their store was closed several times for extended periods, “it became very difficult to generate sales. It had made planning our purchases difficult since we did not know whether we were going to be closed or open.” 

The pair created and launched a website which was a challenge, but they are thankful they did. They say it has been well received by customers.”

With the holidays season here, Julia and Steve Swaisland are excited as December is an important month for their business. They explain how they have a solid foundation of local support and are very grateful for the several loyal and repeat customers who make a conscious effort to shop local and support those business owners who live in their community. 

When asked why they enjoy having their business in Bradford, Julisa says “We like the small home town feel and getting to know our customers by name and learning their likes and dislikes so we can offer them a personal shopping experience.”

She added,  “We also like living and working in the same community!” 

Steve and Julia Swaisland are also very grateful for the mutual support from other local business owners as “everyone supports each other when they can.”