Succeeding in today’s market place requires a lot basic skills.

When you own and operate a local convenience store, you really do know what the favorite soft drink of kids in that town is. In 1991, Don Demchuk purchased Lamont Grocery on Main Street in Lamont, Alberta.  He says Lamont's young set prefer Pepsi!

We can refer to Don as somewhat of an expert because 98% of customers are from the local area. Lamont Grocery’s business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week (except for Christmas Day).

A large percentage of that 98% is the local young people, so a good variety of snack foods and treats can be found on the shelves of Lamont Grocery.  "Today, potato chips are not nearly as popular as corn chips (nachos, doritos and tacos). In fact they are a much healthier snack food. Advertising tends to influence what the kids buy," the owner advised.

The ice cream machine is put to use, making a concoction called a "screamer" which is soft drink and ice cream. Most of us know this treat as a float!

The Demchuks’ come from a grocery retail background.. When Lamont Grocery came up for sale, they decided to invest their retail knowledge in a new related business.

The business owner is careful on what he stocks in his store. "I don’t believe in stepping on other retailer’s toes by duplicating products and services. In rural Alberta the ‘pie’ can be small enough without cutting it up more," he said.

He’s not afraid to provide his customers with service.  If he doesn’t carry a product or service, he doesn’t hesitate to call another business in Lamont to see if they can provide for the customer.  "If you help the tourist or local customer, everyone benefits in the long run," Demchuk said.

The store offers a good variety of products from fresh dairy from the coolers to an excellent selection of meats from the deli-case.  Being a Lotto ticket outlet brings in many of the locals, and its not uncommon to see residents standing around the store visiting.  Are there Lotto winners from Lamont Grocery?  Yes, four out of six win something on 649 Lotto.  The largest prizes were $3,600 to $2,800, with many smaller winners.

A large magazine stand is conveniently placed for those who enjoy the daily publications.

Since Lamont sits on the back door of Elk Island National Park, and Lamont Grocery and the laundromat are next door to each other, Don meets a lot of tourists.  "My store hours are longer than most in town, therefore I get to meet tourists generally camping from Mexico, Belgium, Ireland, Switzerland, Scotland, France and Spain".

The Lamont-Two Hills Business Development Corporation (BDC) provided the required assistance need to get the Demchuks into their business venture.  "The BDC provided a far better service than did banks at the time.  The Corporation was receptive to assisting first time entrepreneurs such as myself.  Collateral expectations were reasonable and almost 100 per cent financing made owning our own business easier," the convenience store owner commented.

"These days, if an individual wants to get into their own business, they must have a good knowledge of accounting, marketing and be prepared for the unforeseen," advised Demchuk.

In partnership with Western Economic Diversification of Canada, the BDC offers accounting, financial planning, marketing, and much more to the entrepreneur with a good business idea.  Bernice Sambor, BDC General Manager said, "Don and Lynn are a good example of maintaining their client base by providing excellent customer service.   They provide the product customers want, and are open for business when the customer needs it!"