Karyne Bailey began her entrepreneurial journey while on disability, determined to carve out a better future for herself and her daughters. With a mere $20 investment, she started selling books online, which were sourced from thrift stores.
"I literally started with 12 books," recalls Bailey, owner of Oceanside Entertainment.
The business grew, transitioning from a bookshelf to a full-fledged store, now boasting a diverse range of new and used entertainment products.
Originally a hub for used books and games, the business at 4721 Marine Avenue in Powell River has evolved. Bailey strategically broadened her inventory to include new products, making a significant shift to include 60 per cent brand new items, from puzzles to licensed merchandise.
"We’ve grown from just a bookstore to what we now call an entertainment store," explains Bailey.
This shift was anticipated early on, prompting a rebranding to Oceanside Entertainment from the former Oceanside Books and Games.
In an era dominated by online shopping, Oceanside maintains its competitive edge through creative business strategies and a commitment to quality. Bailey emphasizes the importance of supporting Canadian businesses and offers unique, high-quality products that resonate with local preferences.
"We do a lot of promotion and keep our prices competitive," she says.
Among their most popular items are puzzles from Cobble Hill, a Canadian company known for its durable and intricately designed pieces. Bailey ensures a continuous stock of about 350 unique images, ranging from picturesque landscapes to vibrant animal scenes. She said her focus on premium, locally sourced puzzles supports another Canadian business and meets the community’s growing demand for tangible, long-lasting entertainment.
Additionally, Oceanside Entertainment has become a treasure trove for unique items, particularly in its new age section, which features an array of crystals, rocks and fossils.
The Christmas Cheer campaign, a program deeply personal to Bailey, is at the heart of Oceanside's community engagement efforts.
“The program was a lifesaver when my girls were young and I was struggling to make ends meet,” says Bailey. “The business was still in a growth time, basically breaking even, which didn't leave any room for extras. In fact, I was working a part time job in order to afford everything beyond the business.”
Her experience with the program fuels her commitment to ensuring other families in the qathet region have the support they need during the holiday season, she adds.
Last year, Oceanside Entertainment introduced a simple yet effective fundraising technique: rounding up purchases to the nearest dollar. This initiative encouraged customers to contribute small amounts, which quickly added up, allowing the store to raise just under $2,000. These funds were then used to buy gifts for children at wholesale prices, stretching each dollar further and providing more gifts for the program.
This year, Bailey has adapted the campaign to incorporate new technology and customer feedback. The store has implemented a tip function on their payment systems, dedicating all tips collected from August 1 through December 15 to the Christmas Cheer program.
Additionally, in November, customers can purchase gifts at a 40 per cent discount to be placed directly under the store’s Christmas tree, destined for the Christmas Cheer program.
“It’s about making Christmas more manageable and joyful for families who might otherwise struggle during the holidays.”
For more information about Oceanside Entertainment’s products and services, call 604.489.3028 or go to facebook.com/oceansideentertainmentbc.
