Some places are more than just a quick stop for gas and snacks. The kind of place where the coffee is always hot, someone holds the door for you, and there’s a good chance the person behind the counter knows your name. That’s exactly the feeling you get walking into McCormick’s Country Store in Camden East.
A Community-Focused Country Store
As I have had the honour of exploring the local businesses in Lennox & Addington, and experiencing all they have to offer firsthand, I have started to notice a pattern. The clear adoration each owner holds for their loyal customers and the community around them. Lindsay Noyes, one of the owners at McCormick’s – alongside her brother, Justin Martin – is no exception to this trend. When I asked Lindsay to reflect on the longstanding influence they have had on the community, and how important the feedback and support from the community is, she laughed. The question was a hard one, but the answer was simple. The community means absolutely everything, and the people are the focus. Lindsay says that you get to know everyone and it feels like home, every single one of their regular customers is considered family in her eyes, and she wouldn’t change a thing.
Keeping McCormick’s Country Store in the Family
Naturally, I had to ask what the initial drive was behind this business venture, and if the following success was something Lindsay has anticipated or dared to dream of. She explained to me that at the time she decided to pursue ownership of the store, her cousins were the owners, and they were looking to sell. Lindsay, having spent many fond years working at McCormick’s under their ownership, was not keen on seeing the business leave the family. She had gone away for university, and pursued outside dreams and adventures, but she missed the store and her community so much, she knew she had to come home.
Challenges and Growth for a Local Business
In terms of memorable moments, both in success and challenges, Lindsay explained there are no shortage of either. Sadly, Lindsay and Justin’s father passed on just months after they took over the business, and this was not only devastating in the ways you’d imagine, but also for the business. Lindsay spoke with fondness as she explained her father’s passion for helping with the store, and how things weren’t the same without him. Thankfully, the decision to keep working hard the way he had was the only clear path in Lindsay’s mind, and she kept moving forward while honouring her great loss. Lindsay explained that many of the challenges are tied to the successes, in a funny sort of way. The pandemic was a challenging time period for everyone, especially small businesses, but Lindsay is adamant that this only made them stronger, as they managed to stay open throughout the chaos. Staffing, especially in the economy’s current state, has been an ongoing issue. While there are staff members who offer a great deal of loyalty and are deeply valued, it can be difficult to have enough hands on deck, particularly with all of the elements added over the years.
What Makes McCormick’s Special
To expand on that, Lindsay explained that the trick to competing with large corporate chains is offering more — from food options to everyday convenience items. McCormick’s offers an LCBO outlet, Country Style, and Square Boy Pizza, in addition to their gasoline and convenience store options. Lindsay mentioned that offering these bigger choices in a small area is key to drawing people in, whether they are traveling to or from work, or live locally and prefer not to venture too far. Convenience is key, as is loyalty. I told her that I felt there has been an increased desire to shop locally lately and keep things strong within community areas, curious if she agreed. She said she certainly did, having noticed the push back as well, as more individuals grow to value the benefits of shopping locally.
Unsurprisingly, given the previous answers, Lindsay was sure when she named the customers as her most-loved element of owning this business. Beyond the loyalty in consumerism, lies the feeling of affection between neighbours and the joy of friendships built as you enjoy conversations and get to know those around you. It truly makes it all worth it when you build a circle full of that kind of support and companionship.
There is clearly a lot to offer at McCormick’s, in both merchandise and small-town hospitality. If you get the chance, this is absolutely your one-stop spot for anything you might need along your journey. Don’t hesitate to pay a visit, at 2561 County Rd 4, McCormick’s Country Store is quite literally, just around the corner.
