I hope that you made it downtown for the second Small Shop Saturday put on last Saturday by our downtown Kelowna businesses.
From undie-shaped cookies (Fashion Foundations) to an all-out “80’s Party” featuring free Day-Glo feather earrings and non-alcoholic jello shooters (Blonde), to special savings and amazing prize draws, downtown small shop owners and staff went all out to put on a heck of a party.
More than 45 merchants participated in the fun-filled day that left customers asking, “When is the next one?”
You’ll have to wait until some time in June as the date has not yet been finalized, but I promise it will be even more fun than the first two—don’t miss it.
Some big changes are happening in the downtown fashion arena.
You may have noticed all the hustle and bustle at the front of the Towne Centre Mall recently.
That’s because it’s going to be the new home of Ten Fashions. Owner Rosemary tells me that plans are to be up and running in the new spot by June 1. Rosemary and her staff are very excited about the move, as it will give them more space— room for two large, private change room/consulting room areas for bridal parties to view gowns, as well as two smaller rooms for prom and special occasion changing areas.
The new spot also features lots of bright windows (all the better to display their beautiful gowns) and free parking at the back of the Towne Centre Mall.
Interestingly, Rosemary tells me that Ten Fashions is specializing more and more in destination wedding wear.
As destination weddings become more popular, women want lighter weight dresses in chiffons and soft fabrics that work well on beaches and in warmer climates.
All the best to Rosemary and her staff on their upcoming move.
The spot on Bernard beside Ten Fashions’ new location has also been rented and rumours have it that it will be a new fashion store. More info on that in a future column.
Another fashion store, S Fashions, moved a few months back to a larger location at 1603 Pandosy, at the corner of Pandosy and Lawrence. It specializes in gently-used women’s designer fashions at great prices. Be sure to check out their charming new corner spot soon.
Another big change has happened at Dunnenzies Pizza Co. at 1559 Ellis Street. Owners Deb and Karen Dunnigan didn’t just stop at having totally delicious pizza with gluten-free and vegan options; they’ve knocked down a wall, created Packinghouse Pie & Coffee (which specializes in home-made pies with locally-grown fruit) and joined forces with Peter Jeffery, who has opened Milkcrate Records (featuring CDs, vinyl, turntables and accessories) at 1551 Ellis.
This collaboration has created one large, funky gathering spot that has a whole lot goin’ on.
When Deb and Peter met playing pickleball, they shared their mutual interest in creating a place that wasn’t just a business, but a gathering place for the community.
Peter says that Milkcrate Records is an idea that was “conceived in 1969 and opened in 2012.” His business is the result of wanting to share his lifelong interest in music with people.
The spot is just buzzing with energy, and there will be even more soon, when their pull-down “Milkcrate Murphy Stage” is completed and they start featuring live in-store performances. What more could you ask for?
Have some pizza, pie and coffee, browse the CD’s and records, then check out a live performance—the makings of a fun evening out.
Jan Johnson has co-owned Tigerlily Fashions downtown for 25 years.
