If you ask Stephanie McColl, it is not just a job — it’s a lifestyle.
With the 15-year anniversary for Sidney’s Lifestyle Select around the corner, the store manager takes a breath and reflects on her time on the Peninsula.
“In a big city you don’t get to know people so well. You don’t know their needs. This lends itself more to us getting to know our customers,” said the long-time store manager. “That is what makes us more of a destination. We get to spend time with them we get to know them, so we go that extra mile to spend a few extra minutes to show them what they might need.”
Going that extra mile is nothing new for McColl who makes the commute from Fairfield, minutes from the Cook Street store to work at the Peninsula location and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I love working in Sidney, (in fact) I prefer working in Sidney to Victoria. The atmosphere here is a little more laid back, it is not as crazy busy,” she said. “I love the people in Sidney … It is a really community-oriented little city.”
Carmine Sparanese, general manager and owner of Lifestyle Select believes their commitment to the non-conventional store and dedication to organics and natural health products separates their products and staff from the pack.
“We have made it what we do … We are completely dedicated to natural health and healing people,” he said. “When (customers) come to see our staff they know they are going to get answers and speak to people that know what is going on.”
One of those people of course is McColl who continues to manage the location after more than a decade of making the commute almost every day.
“I am so glad I am here, it is the best place to work. It’s got the best atmosphere, the best energy,” she said. “The whole company caters to looking after their staff and customers and wants to make sure everyone is happy and healthy and that fits into my lifestyle as well … It was a natural fit.”
For more information visit www.lifestylemarkets.com.