The entrepreneurial spirit still thrives in Moorefield after 20 years.
More than 20 years ago Brian and Ivanka Fear saw a huge gap in the baby market. Being new parents themselves, they found it an inconvenience having to drive to the city to purchase most of their baby gear.
Feeling there was a need for locally-available baby products to serve the rural population in midwestern Ontario, they took the initiative to meet this demand by opening their own baby store.
After considering several locations in the surrounding areas, Brian and Ivanka settled on their own hometown of Moorefield as the ideal spot to raise their children and to run their family-based business.
In October of 1993 following extensive renovations to their newly-acquired retail space at 45 McGivern St., they launched Fear’s Bibs ‘n’ Cribs Ltd. in Moorefield.
One of the immediate challenges faced by the Fears was to educate people about where Moorefield is located. Among their first ad campaigns was a tongue-in-cheek spoof baby announcement for the store, along with the slogan: Where in the world is Moorefield.
Another popular slogan for the store has been: “Fear’s Bibs ‘n’ Cribs: the largest baby store in Moorefield; and “Welcome to Crib Country! Fears’ Bibs ‘n’ Cribs: Where you won’t be afraid of the price,” quickly became a well-known motto.
This humourous and aggressive advertising campaign was launched through Newsprint, radio, and television. It paid off and soon the revamped downtown space grew into a successful retail outlet, bringing in not only the locals but drawing shoppers from the cities who were growing tired of the “big box” merchandise and lack of one-on-one service.
Fear’s Bib’s n Cribs became an instantly-recognizable name but not just because of the aggressive ad campaigns. Word of mouth quickly spread about the great selection of specialized merchandise that suited consumers’ growing taste for a different kind of shopping experience than what the big city retailers had to offer.
This has continued to be the goal and the challenge for Bibs ‘n’ Cribs throughout the years. Despite the competition form big box chains and online retailers, Brian and Ivanka are confident that if they continue to focus on providing quality products at a reasonable price along with friendly small town service, people will continue to appreciate what Bibs ‘n’ Cribs has to offer.
One of the well known events that Fear’s Bibs ‘n’ Cribs has hosted over the years has been the semi-annual Moonlight and Midnight Madness Sale. The entire store merchandise goes on sale, with incredible savings.
This is one way Brian and Ivanka give back to their community; by providing extra special discounts to their loyal customers. Another popular way to save is through Bib Bucks ($1 from every $20 purchased), which are given for cash and debit purchases. Bibs ‘n’ Cribs also donates items from the store to support local children-related events.
If you are looking for children’s furniture, Bibs ‘n’ Cribs carries quality merchandise from Natart, AP Industries, College Woodworks, and Cara Mia. Baby equipment such as strollers, cars seats, high chairs, playpens, swings, etc. comes from a variety of well-known brands such as Peg Perego, Graco, Eddie Bauer, Safety 1st, Quinny, Chicco and Evenflo.
Recently Bibs ‘n’ Cribs added some new lines to their clothing and toy selection. Among the new brands are Melissa and Doug, Little Tikes, Mexx, and Carter’s Watch the Wear.
Whether you are looking to furnish a nursery, gear up on baby equipment and supplies, outfit your child, find educational toys or purchase a birthday or baby gift, you will find everything you need at Fear’s Bibs ‘n’ Cribs.
The store will be marking its 20th anniversary on Oct. 8.
The Fears continue to strive to provide an extensive selection of unique, good quality baby and children’s products at below city prices, along with personalized service.
Seeking to remain current and in touch with their client base, Fears Bibs ‘n’ Cribs can be found on the web at: www.fearsbibncribs.com and on Facebook.
Their hours of operation are Monday from 11am to 5pm, and Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30am to 5:30pm – and of course, by appointment anytime. Call 519-638-5955 or drop by for a visit at 45 McGivern St. in Moorefield.
