N.B. sees highest retail growth in Atlantic Canada: report

Above Watch: The big box store business is booming in Moncton. Global’s Brion Robinson looks at the pros and cons.

MONCTON – A senior policy analyst with the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council says big box stores may not necessarily be bad for Moncton’s small businesses.

Fred Bergman speaks for the council and says unique box stores can attract more customers without hurting small retailers.

“If these are unique big box stores coming to Moncton that don’t exist throughout the Atlantic region, such as Cabela’s, it could actually bring additional sales to the region and jobs,” he said, noting they may not impact sales at smaller local shops.

“Without having these side effects on other existing stores they’re offering new products that may not be available in the region now.”

The Council’s recent report also suggests retail sales are up in the province. The report says New Brunswick had the highest growth in Atlantic Canada.

One of the most highly anticipated openings in the city is the Cabela’s outdoor store. It opens May 28 and is expected to bring 150 new jobs to the city.

Ben Champoux speaks for 3+ Corporation, a business development group that says large retails offer the community more than just jobs.

“It enhances the tax base for our three municipal governments in the community that allows them to generate revenues to then reinvest in other infrastructure projects,” he said.

Local retailers living near big box stores say they come with good and bad. Marc Blanchard opened BHome Furniture, Framing and More away from downtown.

He said he wanted more parking for his customers.

“A lot of my customers would come in with large paintings to be framed or we have to pick up large pieces of furniture,” he said. “We need parking for people to pick up their stuff and drop them off.”

Blanchard says big retailers bring more traffic but it can be difficult to compete with their massive multi-million dollar marketing campaigns.

Blanchard says the best way to attract and keep customers is through personal service.

“It keeps you on your toes a little bit more because you’ve got more competition,” he said. “People who come into our store can expect a lot of one on one service.”