Following four years at the corner of Main St. and Hwy 3, the baby, toddler, and children boutique store has moved across the street, into the town’s old Bank of Montreal building.
Little Local isn’t so little anymore.
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Following four years at the corner of Main St. and Highway 3 in Delhi, the baby, toddler, and children boutique store has moved across the street, into the town’s old Bank of Montreal building.
Now over double the size of its former space (2300 square feet), the retailer continues to offer an assortment of clothing, toys, and accessories but now includes the Little Bean coffee and bake shop as well.
Owner Victoria Asnong and her staff of five celebrated the grand opening on Jan. 18.
“People in Norfolk County, Oxford and surrounding areas are very supportive of us,” she said. “They’re really excited about the coffee bar – it’s new for Delhi, needed in Delhi – just some different options. Our goal with it was to bring in new customers, which it is 100 per cent doing.”
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Asnong moved to Norfolk County from Alberta in 2019 and Little Local opened shortly thereafter. The store originally offered mostly used items but pivoted to all-new inventory after a year.
“I immediately recognized that there were a lot of families here and not a lot of shopping. That inspired me,” Asnong said.
“We noticed our new inventory was generating more money for the business and people were more interested in it and I now understand why.”
The move has proven successful. With her lease on the original building coming up at the end of 2024, Asnong began to contemplate a larger space and adding a side business. Thus, the Little Bean was born, or brewed if you prefer.
Now, in addition to selling local items like Kid Folk’s Sensory Bin Fillers, the business also features espressos, muffins, and even several flavors from the Norfolk Juice Co.
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“It’s been very gratifying – a lot of people were very worried about me when we first opened,” Asnong said. “They came in and checked on me and I see why now because in the time I’ve been open, I’ve seen other businesses open and close.”
Asnong made a point to listen to her customers and cater to their needs, which is likely why Little Local continues to grow.
“It’s taken a lot of work to build this business and we continue to have to work very, very hard at it but I am incredibly grateful for the mentality of the communities around here about shopping local and trying to come to me first and in response , I listen to them,” she said.
“I think that’s why people keep coming back.”
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