Victoria is a tourist town. Listening to a few of those tourists was revealing and might give food for thought for local retailers.
One fellow, on his way back from his cruise from San Francisco through Alaska, joined another's lament that Victoria businesses open so late in the day.
Their ships got in early in the morning and were leaving by 1 p.m.
"When five ships came into Ketchikan, Alaska, stores opened at 6 a.m.," he said.
Another fellow complained about nothing to do so early in the morning, with all stores in Old Town (Johnson Street) closed. He did find one cigar store open early, and though he doesn't smoke, he spent $60 on cigars. He will give them to a Cuban neighbour.
It's always interesting to engage potential customers and see what they need.
Christopher Bowers
Saanich
