Congratulations to the OTA’s sponsor/partner The Merchant of Tennis on being named Canada’s favourite small business as part of a national contest held by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and Interac between October 6th and 18th. More than 700 business were nominated.
The Merchant of Tennis is a tennis specialty retailer with stores in Toronto and Oakville, but which has a significant on-line presence for sales through www.merchantoftennis.com. The Merchant of Tennis is the official retailer of Kids Tennis equipment for Tennis Canada and has a significant retail presence at the Rogers Cup in Toronto each year. The Merchant of Tennis has a large following on Facebook and Twitter and go the extra mile to make sure their followers know about special promotions and contests, but are also well informed on tennis trivia and history as well as what is happening on the professional circuits.
CFIB president Dan Kelly presented the award to The Merchant of Tennis business owners Pamela and Rob Horwood last week (see photo). The title of Canada’s Favourite Small Business comes along with a professionally produced ad campaign sponsored by Interac and developed by Toronto-based advertising agency Zulu Alpha Kilo. Merchant of Tennis received a significant financial award along with the kudos.
“There are thousands of unique small businesses across Canada, like Merchant of Tennis, that are woven into the fabric of their communities, and into the hearts and minds of their customers,” said Kelly.
Loyal customers have only great things to say about Merchant of Tennis: “They’ve got stuff the big stores don’t,” said one customer. “(That’s why) I only trust smallbiz to understand customers.” Others say it’s not only the equipment and prices that make Merchant of Tennis great, it’s the “friendly and knowledgeable staff who have been there at every step and shoe size through (their) son’s tennis growth.”
“We are thrilled to be named Canada’s Favourite Small Business,” said Pam Horwood, CEO of Merchant of Tennis."The #MyFavSmallBiz contest was an outstanding opportunity to engage with our existing clients, reach new audiences and showcase what we do. It gave small companies like ours a bigger voice in a highly competitive national market. Thank you to all of our wonderful customers who voted for us. We're honoured to have your continued support."
Consumers also had a piece of the pie to win during the contest. In total, there were 26 consumer winners, representing six different provinces, who went home with a prize of $500 each.
Loyal customers have only great things to say about Merchant of Tennis: “They’ve got stuff the big stores don’t,” said one customer. “(That’s why) I only trust smallbiz to understand customers.” Others say it’s not only the equipment and prices that make Merchant of Tennis great, it’s the “friendly and knowledgeable staff who have been there at every step and shoe size through (their) son’s tennis growth.”
“We are thrilled to be named Canada’s Favourite Small Business,” said Pam Horwood, CEO of Merchant of Tennis."The #MyFavSmallBiz contest was an outstanding opportunity to engage with our existing clients, reach new audiences and showcase what we do. It gave small companies like ours a bigger voice in a highly competitive national market. Thank you to all of our wonderful customers who voted for us. We're honoured to have your continued support."
Consumers also had a piece of the pie to win during the contest. In total, there were 26 consumer winners, representing six different provinces, who went home with a prize of $500 each.
