Sitting down for a family meal at the cafe in K-Mart, shopping at Mariposa or Toys & Wheels, or even waiting at the famous trolley stop…these are just some of the memories we have of Westshore Town Centre!
The shopping center, which is fondly remembered under its original name Canwest Mall, is celebrating a big anniversary this year: its 40th anniversary in operation!
We’re so excited to celebrate this big anniversary that we’re partnering with Westshore Town Centre to give one lucky winner a $250 gift card. See competition details below.
Although much has changed over the years, one thing has remained the same: Westshore Town Centre continues to be a gathering place for friends and families to shop, dine and play together!
We spoke to some business owners who have been with WTC since the beginning – Orange Julius, Quality Cobbler and Romeo’s – who gave us some insight into what it’s like to be one of the original tenants:
Mark, Orange Julius
1. What is your fondest memory of staying at Westshore Town Centre over the last 40 years?
“The most unforgettable moments were raising my three daughters in my business.
My youngest was only 4 years old at the time. At the age of 5, I was trained to work as a cashier. It was unbelievable, the customers couldn’t believe what they were experiencing.
“We are building a wonderful group of loyal customers who have followed our family business for 40 years. We appreciate their loyal loyalty more than they know.”
2. What makes Westshore Town Centre a great location for your business?
“My franchise has a proven track record of producing great products at great prices for 98 years. The community really appreciates what I offer to all ages. The WTC is truly the center of Langford and a great place to be.”
3. Now that you have been in business for so long, what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
“I would tell other business owners that you need to know your product or service inside and out. You need to love what you make and love what you do. Know the age group of customers you want to target.
Try to greet them, help them, and leave them wanting more. Meet them once a week, remember their face, meet them twice a week, learn their name, and use their name three times a week. Then you’ll have a new friend.”
Nick, Romeo’s
1. What is your fondest memory of staying at Westshore Town Centre over the last 40 years?
“One of my and our families’ favorite memories is breakfast with the anonymous Santa Claus. All of our families and friends came together to celebrate this wonderful event. Our staff helped with open arms. It was a great start to the Christmas season.”
2. What makes Westshore Town Centre a great location for your business?
“The location of our Romeo’s restaurant in the Westshore Mall has always been a welcoming and central location that is visible to all. The community is so supportive.”
3. Now that you have been in business for so long, what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
“The most important advice we can give to other companies looking to enter here is to keep communication with mall management up to date and to be open.
Both the company management and the board of directors should set up a questionnaire or meeting times for current concerns.”
Chet, Quality Shoemaker
1. What is your fondest memory of staying at Westshore Town Centre over the last 40 years?
“All Halloween malls trick or treating for over 30 years, great feedback from the community.”
2. What makes Westshore Town Centre a great location for your business?
“Traffic flow and easy boarding and alighting.”
3. Now that you have been in business for so long, what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
“Location, location… do your research and trust your instincts!”
COMPETITION
To be entered into a drawing for a $250 Westshore Town Centre gift card, please complete one or more of the following actions:
- HOW Westshore Town Centre on Facebookand leave a comment below as soon as you (1 entry)
- CONSEQUENCES Westshore Town Centre on Instagramand leave a comment below as soon as you (1 entry)
- SHARE this post on X and/or threads and comment below once you have done so (1 entry).
Contest entries will be accepted from the date of publication until Tuesday, September 3rd at 11:59pm PST. A winner will be randomly selected and contacted via their designated platform within 24 hours of the contest ending. Good luck!
Competition rules
