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Like many retail businesses, Molloy’s “When you’re a small business, it’s tough BJ agrees and says while the location is
relied on online sales when the pandemic to do all the things you really want to do,” more convenient, customers also seem
hit and afterwards made the decision to says BJ. “For us, one thing we’ve found is to appreciate the opportunity to support
close the Guelph store to concentrate we really have to focus and stick to the a small local business that specializes
solely on its Cambridge location, which basics.” in providing environmentally friendly
soon led to the realization a larger retail Pete agrees and says they have really ‘gone quality products at reasonable prices. As
store was required. all in on soap’ when it comes to providing well, besides operating a bottle exchange
“We moved to downtown Galt (on Melville top-notch quality products. program for customers, Molloy’s also offers
Street) but quickly realized how annoying “As silly as that may sound, but we found free delivery twice a week throughout
it was to have the main retail store that we really needed to be a soap store Waterloo Region and Guelph.
separated from the warehouse,” says and that’s where we are really focused on “Our customers can say, ‘Hey, I’ve met
the Cambridge native, describing the right now,” he says, adding as customer these owners’, because we’re working in
difficulties of shuttling products between facing small business owners, they have the store all day and they know they are
locations to maintain supplies. “We knew less channels to navigate when it comes to getting a very clean product,” she says,
that when our lease was up in Galt, we making any changes to meet their clients’ adding by providing refills Molloy’s has
were going to move back together in one needs. “We can make adjustments to our directed at least 200,000 bottles, perhaps
location.” products and do like to get feedback.” more, away from landfills. “We try be
This led to the move in late July to 990 In terms of customers, BJ says the majority eco-friendly where we can and make
Bishop St. N., which has provided them the are women looking to keep the needs of everything here. We’re always matching
opportunity to consolidate in one location their families met, noting on Tuesdays and blending.”
thanks to an expansive space in the back when the store offers 15% off on refills They are also not only looking at ways to
to house their production facilities. customers will come through the door distribute their products through other
“The store itself is actually smaller, but it’s with laundry baskets filled with reusable retailers but to further streamline their
much more accessible to customers and containers so they can stock up. business – something every would-be
you can still do what you need to do,” says “Women seem to be the ones who take entrepreneur should consider.
BJ. “The other store was really somewhat on so much. It’s nice to be able offer them “You have to stay focused,” says BJ, adding
awkward and big. It really was too much one-stop shopping so they can get all determining what a business’ basics are
space for us.” the stuff they need,” she says, adding it’s and meeting margins are vital. “You can’t
However, the larger space downtown did easy to underestimate the vast quantity be everything to everyone. I definitely did
give these entrepreneurs an opportunity of cleaning products one family can that for a few years.”
to test out new ideas, such as soapmaking consume. She also recommends small business
workshops as well as the creation of a This customer centric approach has clearly owners refrain from overleveraging
second retail venture in a neighbouring been working for them considering the themselves and avoid taking out loans
unit called ‘Bubbles’. Named after their large number of loyal Molloy’s clients who based on assumptions.
loveable Labradoodle – who remains continually flock to the store, even after “If you’re new to business, it’s really easy
a familiar fixture at Molloy’s happily they relocated from downtown. to underestimate what the costs are,” says
greeting customers – the shop featured BJ. “You need to ease your way in and grow
toys, novelty gifts and ice cream and “Most of Cambridge drives past accordingly.”
operated for three years before the couple this area regardless of where they
shut it to concentrate on building their live,” says Pete. “This area has really Visit www.molloysoap.ca to learn more.
core business.
become kind of a hub.”

www.cambridgechamber.com Fall 2025 37