Cost savings a sweet treat for bakery

Cupcakes of Westdale Village has a loyal following. The Hamilton-based shop, famous for its made-from-scratch cupcakes and icing, draws in repeat customers both locally and from all over southern Ontario. “They say they can’t find our cupcakes anywhere else, even in Toronto,” says co-owner Anne Campagna.

The store specializes in bringing personality to its treats, whether for a special event or just an afternoon pick-me-up. The shop is home to a wall of hundreds of themed cupcake toppers, from sports to cartoon characters.

Campagna and her business partner, Marilyn Gouchie, weren’t always in the cupcake business. Both worked in the electrical business before opening up their shop in 2005. So, when Campagna learned about the Save on Energy Small Business Lighting program from a mailer she received at the shop, she was quick to call an energy advisor at Alectra Utilities to learn more.

Products that pop

“Part of our interest in the program was to see if we could find some efficiencies and reduce our operating costs, but another big plus for us was the opportunity to improve the lighting in the shop and make our products really pop for our customers,” Campagna explains.

With the help of a local electrical contractor, the shop was outfitted with new lights and fixtures with no disruption to its business. "Having the work completed after hours was especially convenient because it allowed us to stay open for business during the upgrades," she says.

With their local hydro company guiding them through the Save on Energy incentive process, Cupcakes of Westdale Village ultimately paid nothing for the lighting upgrades. They also saved almost $400 a year on electricity, enough power to bake 66,000 cupcakes.

Campagna says the new lighting delivered exactly what was promised. Her business is saving money on electricity and the in-store experience for customers has improved. “We noticed how bright and cheerful this place looks and our cupcakes look amazing.”