Celebrating Mom and Pop Business Owners on a Special Day Dedicated to Them

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and on March 29, 2025, we take the time to honour them on Mom and Pop Business Owners Day. This special day is devoted to recognizing the dedication, hard work, and invaluable contributions of small, family-owned businesses—often referred to as "Mom and Pop" shops.

If you are wondering why we celebrate Mom and Pop Business Owners, this might illuminate the value to the local community for you...

Interestingly, when we were going through some old pictures for this post, a customer who was in the store waiting to pick up her order noticed us rummaging through the photographic treasures. She asked if we could share the old photos with her. We were happy to, especially when she explained that her mother had been a regular customer, and it had been a regular outing for her and her mother to go for a walk in the neighbourhood and stop by Annex Photo when she was a small child. In fact, several of us remembered her mother quite well. We pored over the photos together and she fondly remembered all the time she spent visiting Annex Photo. She even reminisced about what the store used look like, in all its iterations since the 1990's. 

She left that day with a sense of joyful nostalgia inspired by her memories of our business and its place in the community and her life – and we loved it! It’s actually why we do what we do.

Why Mom and Pop Shops Matter

Mom and Pop businesses are more than just stores; they are the heart and soul of local communities. These establishments create jobs, provide personalized customer service, and bring unique products and services that you won’t find in big-box retailers. They foster economic growth, build strong relationships with customers, and often support local events and charities.

Annex Photo – A Little History about Toronto’s Photography Creativity Mom and Pop Shop

Annex Photo is a small independent photo retailer, a true Mom and Pop shop, committed to the highest standards of fairness and honesty with both customers and employees. 

Annex Photo has a rich history of serving photography enthusiasts, having been founded under the name Direct Film in the 1970s - and remains in the same location today. In the 1990s, the store transitioned to become an independent Mom & Pop business. In 1993, it became Annex Photo. Annex Photo was purchased by Tom Hamilton in 1998. 

When you stop by, these 27 years later, you’ll still find Tom in-store assisting customers. For the last many years, Tom’s daughter runs Annex Photo and is as dedicated to the store as her father was before her. To this day, the previous owner’s nephew works at Annex Photo and is the lifeblood of the business.

Tom Hamilton, who started as a photographer in 1970 at Arcade Photographic Studio in downtown Toronto, has dedicated decades to the industry. Before acquiring Annex Photo, he worked at United Camera and Collis Camera on St. Clair Avenue West, serving commercial photographers, wedding photographers, and videographers. In 1987, Tom, along with his fellow Collis Camera co-worker, branched out on their own and opened St. Clair Camera with a one-hour minilab, further deepening his expertise in the field.

Annex Photo began offering digital imaging services at the advent of digital photography in the early 2000s, while continuing to offer analog services. With over 50 years of photographic experience, the experts at Annex Photo know many of their customers by name—some of whom have been loyal (or a previously named iteration) since the early 60s. 

Today, Annex Photo is more than just a store; it’s an immersive photo and brand experience located in Toronto’s trendy Annex district. It is a one-stop shop where passionate, life-long experts guide photography enthusiasts in creating premium film and photo projects, inviting everyone to experience the Joy of Creative Photography.

How to Support Mom and Pop Businesses

1. Shop Local – Instead of heading to large chain stores, consider making your purchases from small, independent businesses like Annex Photo.
2. Spread the Word – Share your favourite Mom and Pop shops on social media, leave positive reviews, and recommend them to friends and family.
3. Engage with Their Business – Attend local events, subscribe to their newsletters, and follow their updates online.
4. Show Appreciation – A simple thank-you note or a kind word can go a long way in showing appreciation for their hard work.

Let’s Honour Our Local Business Owners

Mom and Pop Business Owners Day is a reminder to value the entrepreneurs, like Tom Hamilton of Annex Photo in Toronto, who pour their passion into their businesses. Their contributions to the economy and community deserve recognition, and this day provides an opportunity to celebrate their efforts.

This March 29th, take a moment to support the small businesses around you. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee from a local café, purchasing handmade goods, or visiting trusted retailers like Annex Photo, every small action makes a difference.

Let’s honour the Mom and Pop business owners who make our communities thrive!

Want to support Mom and Pop businesses? Drop by Annex Photo in Toronto.