The Ken Hoehn Gallery is one of the newer galleries in downtown Canmore, and while Ken found a great start to his business in the Downtown Core, they needed to pivot once COVID-19 hit. They invested in some additional marketing methods to ensure the gallery’s survival during and after the pandemic.
What is the name of your business?
The Ken Hoehn Gallery
When did you start your business in Canmore? Tell us more about your beginnings.
I grew up in Northern Saskatchewan studying nature as a small child. I started to track wild animals and work in proximity so I could identify the species. I did this all of my life, and when I was 45 years old, as a high school teacher, one day I got stuck teaching photography. It was this confluence of the study of nature and the camera that has resulted in the “Iconic Images of Nature” portfolio. I opened the gallery in Canmore only a year and a half ago. I wanted to be part of the vibrant main street art culture we have here, and it’s a great joy to share the wonder of nature.
Would you say you serve more locals or visitors?
In a typical year, about half of our guests are from outside of Alberta, many from around the world.
Tell us about your business pre-COVID-19.
We were doing very well prior to the pandemic and really enjoying the experience… learning every day.
Tell us about the impact COVID-19 has had on your business.
COVID has dramatically reduced our sales of course, because we are limiting the number of guests inside the Gallery now. However, it is also true that we don’t need a high volume of people. If we can make every visit enjoyable for people, we seem to get by and that’s easier without a big crowd.
How has COVID-19 affected you personally?
COVID has made me careful. I’m in a high risk demographic… my age combined with the fact that I’ve had pneumonia three times in the last decade because of my winter camping adventures makes me vulnerable, and so I provide the safest possible environment for my staff, my guests, and myself.
How has your business innovated or pivoted during this time?
We’ve engaged in social media a little bit with Facebook, and used our email list to touch our collectors in a quiet manner. We’ve also worked on our outdoor display and signage as Canmore has closed the street to car traffic.
What marketing methods (if any) did you use to promote your business during COVID?
Nothing special. We did some Facebook posting.
Do you have any tips that you can share that could help other businesses with the focus of keeping their staff and customers safe while delivering their products or services?
Each of us is different and so we have specific needs for safety protocols. The key, my friends is not to let our guard down. It may be a long road, but let’s participate joyfully and safely amid the tragedies of our time.
How can the Canmore community support you and your business as we move out of this unprecedented time?
We, like any local business, have been financially damaged by COVID. If you are in the market for a nice piece of art, please give us the opportunity to show you what we have. We can enjoy the journey of art and nature together, though the wind is cold and strong in our faces.
Visit Ken Hoehn in Downtown Canmore. Please always remember to follow Alberta Health Services guidelines during this time.
Read our other blogs from Downtown Canmore businesses who speak about their experience with the pandemic:
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