The Busy Basket Store, located at #3 – 7 Centennial Drive N, is celebrating its first anniversary in Martensville, reflecting on a year of growth, new discoveries and community support while navigating the challenges of running a small, independent business.
Candace, who runs the store front, and describes its first year as exciting, challenging and rewarding, as well as a learning experience. Opening the store brought surprises, but seeing it grow and evolve has been a highlight.
“One of the things we love most is seeing people’s reactions when they walk through our doors for the first time. We often hear, “I had no idea you had all of this!” and that’s exactly what we hoped to create; a store full of unexpected finds, unique gifts, and a little something for everyone,” Candace said.
Learning so much about what our customers love has helped shape the store’s evolving inventory, with new products and ideas intended to make each visit different from the last.
That sense of discovery is also part of the store’s biggest challenge: making residents aware of what is available.
“One of our biggest challenges has been building awareness and helping people discover everything we have to offer,” Candace noted.
The store competes with large retailers, online shopping and the convenience of home delivery. Finding the right mix of merchandise has been another ongoing challenge.
“We want to offer things that are unique, affordable, and exciting; not just the same items you can find everywhere else.”
The store’s range extends beyond the gifts and collectibles that many customers associate with its name. Alongside trending toys and novelty finds, The Busy Basket Store offers custom gifts and personalized products, which can include mugs, wood planks, wood blocks, slates and engraved items. The business has also expanded into 3D printing, creating articulated animals, fidgets and other gift items, and plans to continue exploring new products this year.
Helium balloons, balloon bouquets and custom gift baskets are also available for special occasions.
Its growing Local Artisan Collection features approximately 20 talented artisans, giving local makers a place to showcase their creations and customers access to locally made items.
Other merchandise includes arts and crafts, stationery, jewelry, beauty products, home décor, candy, clothing, collectibles and seasonal gifts. In addition, the store also serves as a UPS and FedEx parcel drop-off and pickup location.
“We like to think of The Busy Basket Store as a place where you can come in looking for one thing and leave having discovered five things you didn’t even know existed!
Community support has been an important part of the first year. Regular customers stop by to see what’s new, families bring children in to explore, and visitors recommend the store to friends and neighbours.
Connections with local artisans and other small business owners have also been among the year’s highlights.
“For a small business, support isn’t always about making a large purchase, sometimes it’s a recommendation, sharing a Facebook post, leaving a review, or simply telling someone that we exist.”
As it marks the anniversary, The Busy Basket Store’s message to Martensville residents begins with thanks.
“Thank you to everyone who has walked through our doors, supported our local artisans, shared our posts, recommended us to a friend, or simply taken the time to see what we’re all about.”
The Busy Basket credits the community with helping it through its first year and hopes to build on those relationships.
Residents who have not yet visited are invited to browse, whether they are looking for a gift, something for children or a personalized creation.
“Our goal has always been to create a store that feels welcoming, fun, and just a little unexpected,” the business says.
Looking ahead, it hopes to continue growing, creating and bringing new products to Martensville.
The store sums up its approach with the slogan: “The Busy Basket Store is where the fun stuff never stays long!”
To better explain its range of products and services, the business is adding the slogan “Gifts and so much more” after its name.
Customers can also place customization orders through the store’s website at https://Thebusybasket.ca. The store also has a Shopify site at https://the-busy-basket-store.myshopify.com/. Delivery is available in Martensville, Warman and Saskatoon.
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