Rising costs, labor shortages, economic uncertainty—sound familiar? For Calgary businesses, this isn’t just a passing phase. It’s the new normal. Whether you’re running a boutique retail store, leading a hospitality brand, or navigating the complexities of consulting, the stakes are higher than ever. But here’s the truth: the businesses that pivot strategically, embrace their strengths, and lean into what makes them unique will not just survive—they’ll thrive.
1. The Cost Conundrum: Stretching Dollars Further
Let’s face it, operational costs are climbing faster than a Rockies hike. Inflation, supply chain chaos, and energy prices are hitting businesses where it hurts. The result? Tighter margins and tougher decisions.
What We’re Seeing
- Retail: Over 56% of Calgary retailers reported higher costs in Q4 2023. Every dollar has to work harder than ever.
- Hospitality: With food and energy costs up 12%, keeping prices competitive without sacrificing quality feels like an impossible balancing act.
- Real Estate: Higher maintenance costs and empty spaces are forcing landlords to rethink their approach.
How Ember & Resolve Can Help
- Workflows That Work: Efficiency is the name of the game. We identify where you’re leaking time and money and put systems in place to tighten things up.
- Fractional Expertise: Need high-level talent but not ready for full-time costs? Our fractional services let you scale smartly with experienced professionals at your side.
- Web Design That Delivers: Your website should be more than a pretty face. We create designs that convert visitors into paying customers, helping you squeeze every drop of value from your marketing budget.
2. Labor Shortages: The Talent Tug-of-War
Labor shortages are the elephant in every boardroom. Despite Calgary’s growing population, businesses are struggling to fill critical roles—especially in industries like hospitality, retail, and marketing.
What We’re Seeing
- Hospitality: Over 70% of Calgary’s hospitality businesses are understaffed, leaving teams stretched too thin and turnover rates through the roof.
- Retail: Seasonal hiring is down 40%, making peak times harder to manage.
- Marketing and Consulting: Specialized roles like content creation and analytics remain painfully hard to fill.
How Ember & Resolve Can Help
- Grow Your Talent: We’ll train your team to fill the gaps and equip them with the tools to thrive. Upskilling isn’t a buzzword—it’s a solution.
- Employer Branding That Pops: Attract top talent by showing off your culture, benefits, and career growth opportunities. Let’s make your business the one everyone wants to work for.
- Fractional Solutions: Whether it’s marketing, web development, or operational expertise, we provide the pros you need without the full-time overhead.
3. Economic Uncertainty: Thriving in the Unknown
Calgary’s economic landscape has never been predictable, but lately, it feels like a constant game of dodgeball. High office vacancies, inconsistent consumer spending, and global market jitters are forcing businesses to rethink their strategies.
What We’re Seeing
- Real Estate: With downtown office vacancy rates at 27%, property owners are facing tough decisions about how to use underutilized spaces.
- Retail and Hospitality: Inflation is tightening wallets, making consumer spending as unpredictable as a Calgary winter.
- Marketing and Consulting: When budgets get tight, marketing is often the first to go. Agencies are feeling the pinch and fighting harder to prove their value.
How Ember & Resolve Can Help
- Scenario Planning That Works: The key to staying ahead is planning for the unexpected. We help you prepare for uncertainty with strategies that keep you agile.
- ROI-Driven Marketing: Every dollar spent should earn its keep. We design campaigns that deliver measurable results, proving their value to your bottom line.
- Creative Space Solutions: Whether it’s transforming office space into coworking hubs or reimagining retail, we’ll help you turn challenges into opportunities.
Case Study: Turning Challenges into Wins in the Hospitality Industry
Let me tell you about a hospitality client with an incredible location and a strong track record. They were generating around $1 million in profit annually but found themselves up against new competition from larger chains offering more rooms and extensive amenities. Instead of trying to compete head-to-head, they brought me in to rethink their approach.
The Shift
- Family-Friendly Positioning: Marketed the property as a quiet, family-focused escape—perfect for parents seeking peace and relaxation without the noise of crowded lobbies or late-night disturbances.
- Strategic Partnerships: Instead of seeing the lack of an on-site restaurant as a setback, we partnered with local eateries to offer exclusive meal discounts. This created a win-win for guests and local businesses.
- Highlighting Location Perks: Free parking and easy access to nearby attractions were promoted as key benefits. Guests appreciated the combination of cost savings and a memorable experience.
- Value-Driven Messaging: By highlighting affordability, convenience, and family-friendly perks, we tapped into a demographic that prioritizes value over luxury.
The Results
- 20% increase in occupancy during peak seasons.
- Improved guest satisfaction, with glowing reviews emphasizing value, quietness, and the partnerships with local restaurants.
- Additional revenue through collaborative promotions with local businesses.
The Lesson
Success doesn’t always mean offering more—it’s about offering the right things to the right audience. By focusing on what made them unique, this business carved out a niche in a competitive market and thrived.
Why Ember & Resolve?
We don’t just consult—we collaborate. We’re your partner in navigating these challenges with solutions that make sense for your business.
- Fractional Expertise: Scale smartly with high-level professionals when you need them.
- Workflows That Work: Save time and money by optimizing your operations.
- Websites That Convert: Build or enhance sites designed to grow your revenue.
- Tailored Training: Empower your team with skills that drive results.
- Custom Strategies: No cookie-cutter solutions here—everything we do is designed for you.
Final Thoughts
Calgary’s business landscape isn’t easy, but that’s where the magic happens. The businesses that innovate, adapt, and lean into their strengths will shape the future. At Ember & Resolve, we’re here to make sure you’re one of them. Let’s write your next success story together.