Steven Wheelhouse is no stranger to Langley, but he’s one of the newest kids on the block in Willoughby.
Wheelhouse is the franchise-owner of the DQ Grill & Chill restaurant in Willowbrook, and now the new store in Willoughby Town Centre.
While he opened the new restaurant – with its treats and cakes – back in mid-December, he held its official grand opening on Family Day, Feb. 8.
By all accounts it was quite the party: an ideal day for neighbours to welcome Steve and his 22-member staff to the community.
Clothing stores evolving
E-commerce continues to force some local clothing retailers (not to mention most other stores) to rethink how they’re do business – now and into the future.
Last week, for instance, Danier Leather Factory Outlet filed insolvency proceedings, which casts the future for the 84-store apparel operation – including the Langley store – into question.
In the meantime, MEXX – which closed its store in the Power Centre on Langley Bypass this time last year, is apparently back, with new financial backing and a new name – Fashion West.
Time will tell whether they’re looking at rekindling their presence in Langley.
The company said that after a short period of reorganization, it’s back.
Fashion West will be the new distributor for all of Canada, including men’s, women’s, and kids.
“New owners, new financial backing and a new attitude have combined with the same designers, as well, as the same garment fit and quality to make the re-launch of one of Canada’s favourite lines into another guaranteed success.,” said Fashion West’s Jessa Ramos.
“All three divisions are back and shipped from Vancouver exclusively to boutiques, just like yours. The line will be shown right across the country for the fall/winter 2016 season.”
Mayor, police come to breakfast
Langley Township Mayor Jack Froese is back for another visit with the Walnut Grove business community this morning [Thursday, Feb. 11].
The retired Mountie will be accompanied by a few of Langley’s finest, leading an informative but informal conversation on business and crime in this community.
The regular networking meetings are hosted by the Walnut Grove Business Association (WGBA), and in addition to encouraging interaction, these morning meetings also include a guest speaker.
WGBA is asking “has your business been hit… yet?” and given the subject matter, it seems fitting that Froese and a few current Langley RCMP be on hand offering ideas for how area business people can work together to prevent crime, said executive director Teresa Brown.
“One of the first business concerns the WGBA is addressing in this new year is the incidents of business crime in Walnut Grove and North Langley,” Brown said.
“In partnership with other Langley based groups, organizations, elective officials and RCMP, the Walnut Grove Business Association’s ultimate goal is to develop an integrated crime reduction strategy to address root causes, focus on eliminating negative impacts on our businesses and increase effective apprehension… come be a part of the solution,” she added. “We are focused on building your business and making our community a better place to do business in.”
The event gets underway at The Redwoods Golf Course with coffee and networking at 8 a.m., the official meeting and speakers from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m., then open floor discussions until 9:30 a.m.
For information, or to register for this and other WBGA events, people can call 604-866-7338, visit www.wgba.ca, or email admin@wgba.ca.
Space for these events is limited. Admission is free for WGBA members and $10 for non-members.
