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| CANADA'S SOURCE FOR HUMOUR, PARODY, AND SATIRE
SASKATOON-- The economy is prospering in the Canadian prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Gretzkia. Unemployment rates are lower than they've been in fifteen years, housing starts are up, and promising business opportunities in the medium-sized markets are attracting new investors. But despite all these strong economic indicators, some businesses are still struggling to stay afloat, and finding it difficult to gain a niche in a growing prairie economy.
Some retail stores, such as the Hedza-Bobbin Life Jacket Store, a unique clothing franchise that specializes in life jackets, life vests, and other floatation-wear are having trouble staying above water. While other stores are doing a brisk business, selling ski jackets, toques, scarves, and gloves this winter, life jacket sales have deflated. "I don't know what we can to do preserve our market share," said Skip Orr, owner of the retail outlet in Medicine Hat. "We did our research and figured we could tap into the burgeoning Prairie market. But unless we can move some of this waterproof, Coast Guard-certified inventory soon, we're sunk." Skip said prairie investors, who saw titanic sales in other regions, weren't hesistant to get their feet wet. "These vests are red hot in the other markets," said Skip. "The Vancouver, Nanaimo, and Halifax locations are doing great. It's the same product, and the same pricing. I don't understand why we're drowning in our own stock. Our retail strategy is exactly the same as those other stores, but we haven't been able to ride that wave of success that the other coastal cities have enjoyed." Skip and other franchisees in Calgary, Saskatoon and Head-Smashed-In can feel the waves crashing down on their profitless locations. They are non-plussed by the apparent lack of local interest in their life-saving apparel. "Canadians love boats, they love boating, and they love their personal floatation devices," said Serge Ram, Director of Franchise Relations from the Hedza-Bobbin Life Jacket Store's head office in Old Montreal, next to the St. Lawrence River. "The history of this country was built on the gritty bottoms of canoes, barques, and trolling fishing vessels. The Hedza-Bobbin Life Jacket Store builds on this natural love affair with the life jacket by creating vibrant, colourful statements that not only make a fashionable splash for the wearer but also keep their head above the surface--as long as they are worn properly." Serge isn't quite ready to jump ship. "All of our franchises have had an immediate splash wherever they've started: Dartmouth, Moncton, Tofino," said Serge. "The list is endless. However there are still a few challenges in the Prairies. We are, of course, looking into this disparity. We may need to hire consultants." Skip and several other prairie franchisees hope the winning formula will come soon, and breathe some life into the depressed Prairie market. "I feel like a fish out of water," said Skip. "If we can't paddle our way into profits soon, I'm going to drown in a sea of economic desperation."
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