More Than a Storefront: How Local Retail Strengthens Communities

I’ve been part of the Kingston community since our Giant Tiger store opened in August 2019, and it has been an incredible journey.

I come from more than 30 years of experience in retail, but Giant Tiger is uniquely different. The franchise model gave me an opportunity I never thought I would have the chance to own my own business.

At Giant Tiger, we’re known as Canada’s place to save more money, and that’s something my team and I take very seriously. Our goal is to make shopping affordable for families by offering the low prices on everyday essentials. Whether it’s groceries, clothing, or home decor, we want our customers to know they can count on us for value.

But for me, being a store owner is about more than retail, it’s about being part of the community I serve every day.

Supporting local businesses matters because they are deeply connected to the people they serve. When customers choose to shop locally, they’re not just making a purchase, they’re supporting jobs, local initiatives, and organizations that make their community stronger. As a locally owned store, we can give back in ways that directly impact Kingston, and that’s something I take pride in.

Retail can play a meaningful role in building community connections. A store can be more than a place to shop, it can be a place where people feel welcome, neighbours run into each other, and businesses support organizations making a difference locally. For me, that sense of connection is just as important as the products we sell.

Giving back is very important to me and my team. Each week, we donate to organizations like Partners in Mission Food Bank, Lionshearts, and Loving Hands Kingston, supporting them with financial contributions, food, and merchandise donations. But supporting the community is about more than writing cheques. Many of the ways we give back are shaped by conversations with our customers and by listening to what matters most to them. That helps us focus our support on local organizations that are making a difference in Kingston.

We also support several community initiatives, including the Annual Kids4Kids Hockey Tournament, the Inclusion Playground, Easter Seals, and BGC Kingston. Being involved allows us to stay connected to the people and causes that matter most in our community.

One of the things I’m most passionate about is supporting young people entering the workforce. I work closely with local schools to bring in Co-op students, many of whom are getting their very first job experience.

It’s amazing to watch these students grow. Many start with us at the beginning of their high school careers and stay with our Giant Tiger family through graduation and sometimes into college. Seeing their confidence build and their skills develop is incredibly rewarding.

For me, it’s more than running a store. It’s about creating a place where customers can save money, young people gain valuable experience, and we can give back to the community that we proudly serve.

Being able to do all of that in Kingston is something I’m proud of every day.

Jennifer Boutilier - Store Owner, Giant Tiger Kingston