Where Are the Goats on the Roof?

May 24, 2016

Last week, I had the opportunity to travel to Vancouver Island with my other half. It was our 35th Anniversary and we thought we would go to one of my favorite places in Coombs B.C., a little place called” Goats on the Roof”. Most of us know of this place, as it is very interesting attraction for families travelling the Island. They have a Butterfly World next door that’s kind of fun as well.

We have travelled a few different times in the past 5 years or so, even at different times of the year as well, but the Goats are never on the roof! This is an attraction that brings everyone to see them grazing on the grass roof. Let me tell you a little about the place… It’s a store that combines everything tourist-orientated and the last few times I have noticed they have added some ”Goats on the Roof“ private label products. Coffee/mustard/ and a few other things.  Instore deli/bakery and grocery area. Along with a sitting café area. A store that has built a cult following based on the Goats on the Roof.

By now you’re wondering where I’m going with this story and for me. It’s kind of disturbing to see places like these disappear. We noticed on this visit that all the other flea market type places that were beside it are now gone… New buildings popping up …oh good a new place for all those tourist trinkets …Not!!! They are building restaurants and food places!! Kind of not a place that you want to stop anymore.

While I am on the subject I need to add that the International Market Place in Waikiki. We happened to be there last year on the day they were closing it for good… What…. Yes the sign of the times when the big store chains are taking over… What… I’m sorry but you are destroying something that everyone likes to see or visit. Then I got wind that a favorite stopping place on Whyte Ave here in Edmonton called Chicken Scratch … closed… What….

My message to all… Go and see these places before they all die of slow death… and to the next generation of niche store builders, make sure you take the time to build out your store with the proper fixtures and merchandising displays to attract your customer. They will visit you if you take the time to do it right the first time. Give us a call we can help you with your fixtures and make your store stand out from the rest.

And to my favorite place…… “Put The Goats Back on the Roof”. Put the fun back into retail and you will reap the benefits, at least from our generation…

Brian Wood

Over 40 years of retail experience. Managed and Merchandised for a large Grocery Chain for 22 years. 13 years as an Area manager for third party merchandising and direct to store ordering company. 5 years in the liquor industry as an operations manager with a major Liquor store chain. This article is my own opinion on things that I observe or have observed throughout my career.

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