The Local Yokel is a young local business in Cochrane Alberta, just half a coffee west on the 1A. They are bringing dozens of creators of local arts, crafts, produce, baked goods and more under one roof for the convenience of the consumer and the brand. We visited this amazing location and left with butter tarts, carrots and a pizza to bake at home. There were lots of arts and crafts as well as friendly conversations to be had inside. Todd and Rayanne Simmer opened late last summer and have been busy ever since.
What is your business called and what does it do?
The Local Yokel Market gives our local producers (makers, bakers, growers) a storefront to be able to access the community.
What made you want to do this work? What problem did you want to solve with the business?
We wanted to do this because we feel it’s unnecessary to truck in products from thousands of kilometres away when we have an abundance of high-quality local foods grown and produced right on our doorstep. We wanted to help our local producers have an easy way to get their products to local customers. For example, we heard from a local mother going on maternity leave who would like to be able to sell her products without going online and having people come to her house to pick them up. This gives her an avenue to be able to do that.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
As far as clientele and demographics. We really have something for everyone. We are little but currently have over 30 vendors. Everything from spice mixes, baking, beef and pizza to beautiful pottery, artwork and crafts.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We make money by selling products for local vendors who all set their own prices. We collect a small commission from sales.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
The best question prospective customers should ask is really endless. When someone does come in with questions, we are able to call and ask the producer directly and get an immediate response.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part about what we do is paying out our vendors at the end of the month. It’s awesome when they’ve made more sales than expected and get a good size cheque. So basically, being a part of maybe helping to generate a bit more income for “the little guy” small businesses in the area.
Also knowing that our efforts might be helping the environment by not needing to transport so many goods as far.
The worst part of what we do is probably clean the bathroom. We honestly can’t think of any other negatives.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
We’ve got two jokes from our son:
What do you call a cow with no legs? Ground beef
What do you call a cow with two legs? Lean beef
Where can we follow you?
You can follow us on Facebook by searching up The Local Yokel Market, Cochrane AB.
Cochrane Community Connections did a video about us and there have been a couple of articles in the local papers on us if you’re interested in checking them out. Just Google The Local Market Cochrane and these should pop up.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Another local business we’d like to mention is Mehtab East Indian Cuisine in Cochrane.
They have been giving free meals to anyone who is hungry and can’t afford to buy a meal. We think this is just amazing and absolutely what community is all about.
