Have you heard about "graping"?
Since October of 2004, local retail businesses have received support and recognition from a small group of home-based entrepreneurs who call themselves The Grapevine.
Steven McNaughton, owner of Pomodori's Market
(photo credit: Tony Parker)
In a random act of kindness, each month The Grapevine secretly chooses a local business as "best of the bunch". The proprietor is then surprised with a visit by 15-25 potential new customers and presented with a big bouquet of purple balloons and deserved recognition. To create intrigue and prolong the fun, Grapevine participants are only told the meeting place and have no idea who is being "graped" until we walk into the chosen store.
"Graping" is a feel good, win/win experience that combines socializing, shopping and networking. Guests learn about each business and its products and/or services in a brief introduction and then mingle with other like-minded people in an informal setting.
"Graped" businesses tell their stories
Sue Mulholland, owner/operator of SHE SAID GALLERY, comments on her May, 2006 "graping": "You ladies do a wonderful thing. Your graping of me was one of the best days I've had as a new business owner. If ever I'm feeling blue, I recall that Saturday morning when you all trooped into my shop – instant smile!!"
Trevor Walker, owner/operator of PLENTY EPICUREAN PANTRY (November 2006) said "You brought a great deal of sunshine to a quiet, rainy November day! Plenty had a wonderful Christmas season and the new year is off to a great start."
Steven McNaughton, owner/operator of POMODORI'S MARKET (June 2007) told the Times-Colonist that two shoplifters had stolen $400 worth of organic tea and coffee only a few days before The Grapevine's arrival. "I thought 'Holy Smokes, this is fantastic'. I was overwhelmed. I had no idea who they were. It was such good timing, considering what had happened to us. It really showed me there's lots of good people out there."
Grapevine members relay their experiences
"Grapevine founders don’t tell us where we are going but only where to meet. Then they lead us to the unsuspecting business. It's a lot of fun – sometimes there are new restaurants, delis, importers, drycleaners, etc. Participants are encouraged to pass business cards to friends, thereby spreading the word. You are not obliged to go every time but I am sure your curiosity will get the better of you and you won’t miss any!" Bobbie Elworthy, Grapevine member as well as bookkeeper with BEST OF BOTH WORLDS IMPORTS ("graped" October 2005)
"This was my first graping event and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people, but mostly participating in an intimate community event with lots of warmth, heart and surprise-like spirit." Diane Gilliland, Compass Holistic Counselling
"Continue your good work! I can't usually find time to join you on your graping, but I do enjoy hearing about it and have visited four of the places you've graped just because you've mentioned them and I was in that neighbourhood." Corinne Alexander, BC Government analyst
Interested in starting a Grapevine group in your own community?
Click here to request our free instructional package by email
A great local shopping directory. Are you a Grapevine member?
Has your business been "graped"?
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