Fairplay Pet Supplies

Fairplay Stores Ltd. is almost as old as Calgary itself. It began as a ‘flour and feed’ store in 1919, selling garden products along with pet food and supplies. Remarkably, Fairplay Stores Ltd. has stayed in the same family for many years. “There’s a sense of pride,” says Christine Nurse, whose father bought it from his sister and husband in 1967. As the current owner, she says, “But also, you don’t want to be the first one in the long line to not succeed, so there’s a bit of pressure. It never gets boring. I enjoy the challenges.”

Fairplay Stores Ltd. has earned the trust of Calgary’s pet owners with its experience and helpful advice, but the key to the shop's success is that it doesn’t take its customers for granted. “There’s an advantage in that we are known, but there are many new younger customers or people new to Calgary,” says Christine. “So we need to keep the name out there. Just because the company’s old doesn't mean we can become complacent or smug.”