Stores in Windsor cashing in on low unemployment rate

With Windsor's employment rate down to 5.3 per cent, it's looking like the local economy is picking up. Two big companies held their grand opening Fridayin Windsor.

A well known gardening and tool store, Lee Valley opened in South Windsor, andLululemon, a popular clothing store also opened their temporary store in Devonshire mall.

Dozens of shoppers stood in line Fridayfor the grand opening of Lululemon,which is known for its expensive athletic clothing.

Denise Parsons came with her niece and she was shopping for herself and her daughter.

"It is on the more expensive side but the clothing is really good and it fits well and lasts a long time," Parsons said. "I think it [the economy] is picking up if people are coming here to look at Lululemon and purchase Lululemon," she said.

And it's not just new businesses - but a long-time comic business in Windsor believes it's reaping the benefits of a low employment rate.

The owner of Rogues Gallery Comics says he has about 300 comic memberships,100 of those memberships were sold in the past year.

"For the first time in my life time it's cool to be a nerd but on top of that it seems like more of my nerds are working," said Shawn Cousineau.

He says it can be hard to tell directly what is linked to the unemployment drop. It could be that people might just be more passionate about comics or influenced by media.

Regardless, he says business has never been so good.

"Sales are well on the rise, largely titles that are involved with TV and movies and such," Cousineau said.