How has the Rev Award made a difference for Unboxed Market and its sustainability efforts?
Being awarded the Rev Award helped us to re-open 7 days a week, with extended hours 6 days a week. This also allowed us to hire another staff person. We were also able to develop some targeted marketing that helped reintroduce a sustainable grocery shopping experience to our neighbourhood. We’ve had some customers return who we hadn’t seen for a while, and we have had all sorts of new customers coming by as well!
What have you learned from using the Rev Award funds in your business?
We’ve learned that there are people everywhere who want to see small businesses not only survive but thrive. Thinking back on this win had me going through email messages from when we were nominated, and just reading the supportive messages in response brought that feeling back again. The past few years have been a really tough time for so many of us – knowing that this award was able to help us create so many immediate changes to support our neighbourhood and having the neighbourhood respond so positively has been such a great experience.
What advice do you have for future Rev Award applicants?
When we were applying for the Rev Award, the biggest thing we did was take our time to really explain who we are and what our business means to the community. When it was time to vote, we made sure to message our mailing list, share on our social media, and tell everyone who came to visit us in-store. The fact that Notable made the voting process so streamlined really helped, as we could let people know it would only take a few seconds of their time. Your community is always happy to support you if you give them a heads-up!
What exciting things are in the future for Unboxed Market?
To anyone thinking about applying for the Rev Award, believe in yourself, your business, and your community, and apply! It has been so heartwarming to see our community support us while we rebuild and grow post-pandemic. New things are always on the horizon at Unboxed Market. The seasonal shift in fresh produce always inspires change, and we’re working on a new meal program as well as bringing in new products. Be sure to stop by and see what’s new!
Interested in applying for the Notable Awards?
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