All Retail articles

Danika and a family member standing together wearing company hoodies
West Kootenay, Slocan, Retail, Small Business, Tourism Reviving history: The story behind the Silverton General Store

How one family’s passion is creating economic opportunities and preserving a local landmark

by Danielle Brost
Creampal  makers with Lees and awards – L-R Sebastien Laberge, Amanda Goodman Lee, Jeff Lee, Joel Laberge.  The Lees used a revolutionary made-in-Canada specialized creaming machine manufactured by the Laberge’s CreamPal company from Quebec. It is the only one of its kind in British Columbia.
East Kootenay, Creston, Cuisine, Environment, Retail, Small Business What is all the buzz about Honey Bee Zen Apiaries?

A story of transformation and conservation in Creston, B.C.

by Danielle Brost
Garden centre staff at Dig Garden Centre in Castlegar
West Kootenay, Castlegar, Agriculture, Environment, Retail, Small Business Cultivating sustainable gardens in Castlegar

The owners of Dig Garden Centre are all about community, sustainability and growth

by Danielle Brost
exterior of Tigz Designs
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Entertainment and Hospitality, Health & Wellness, Real Estate, Retail, Small Business Top unique businesses for sale in British Columbia’s Kootenay and Columbia Valley regions

Check out this list of businesses for sale across the Columbia Valley and Kootenay regions.

by Julie Matchett and Danielle Brost
Ramona and Allen, owners of the company at their shop
West Kootenay, New Denver, Retail, Small Business Kootenay Murphy Beds answered the call for modern downsizing solutions

From China to New Denver: How a family adventure turned into a thriving furniture business

by Danielle Brost
The owners of Mountain Soul Winery at a vending booth selling their wines
West Kootenay, Trail, Agriculture, Retail, Small Business, Tourism Crafting award-winning wines in Trail, B.C.: Trevor Miller shares the story of Mountain Soul Winery

A family's passion transforms a rugged piece of property into a bustling winery

by Danielle Brost
Steph McGregor holding two dogs and standing on a hiking trail
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Animal Care, Retail How a Cranbrook entrepreneur brought her vision to fruition

The owner of the Paw Shop in Cranbrook is making her entrepreneurial dreams come true, and she’s happy to share her secrets.

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Three owners of Funk Haus Craft Lab holding art supplies
East Kootenay, Kimberley, Retail, Small Business Crafting a strong business relationship

Kimberley’s Funk Haus Craft Lab is run by three dedicated entrepreneurs who found their respective niches.

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Aysha and Joanna standing in the doorway at Drift and Sonder in Fernie
East Kootenay, Fernie, Retail, Small Business Curating thoughtfully made goods and low-waste products in Fernie

Sisters Joanna and Aysha Haines choose the most ethical and sustainable brands for their retail store, Drift + Sonder.

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Puppy sitting in a green bucket surrounded by treats and toys
West Kootenay, Castlegar, Animal Care, Retail, Small Business This award-winning West Kootenay pet store is barking up the right tree

With multiple locations and a flourishing online shop, Blue Barn Pet & Hobby Farm is a community success story.

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Kerry Pagdin holding up one of her feather prints
West Kootenay, Nelson, Retail, Small Business Social media for small business: Tips from a successful Nelson entrepreneur

Kerry Pagdin of Wayward Citizen gives us the inside scoop on social media promotion.

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Kat Cadegan sitting in her jewellery making shop
West Kootenay, Revelstoke, Retail, Small Business Turning a one-woman-show into a cohesive jewellery-making team

Kat Cadegan Jewellery in Revelstoke has gained a valuable new staff member thanks to a Columbia Basin Trust program.

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Venessa Loubert and Perry Dzuris, owners of Arcane Coda in Salmo, B.C.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Retail, Small Business Local businesses promote Kootenay-inspired apparel

Find uniquely home-grown Kootenay clothing, wearables and gear from these local companies

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Graphic image showing stylized computer plus text.
Retail, Small Business Business owners: What is the most important page on your website? (Hint: it’s not your home page)

Learn the six features that your web page needs to convert visitors into buyers

by Kerry Shellborn
Andrea Legg holding a cup of tea and smiling
West Kootenay, Nelson, Retail, Small Business From acrobatics to aromatic tea: How Virtue Tea in Nelson was born

Imagine two members of Cirque du Soleil finding love and running off to start a business in the Kootenays.

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Desiree smelling a white flower wearing a white dress
East Kootenay, Sparwood, Retail, Small Business Stepping out of her comfort zone and starting a business in Sparwood

Desiree Markewich found herself reinvented by flowers, and she wants to pay the joy forward.

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Exterior shot of the Backroads Brewing Company, pink blossom trees in foreground.
West Kootenay, Nelson, Entertainment and Hospitality, Environment, Retail All in the loop at Backroads Brewing Company

The circular economy may be a buzzy-sounding term but at this Nelson brewpub, participating in it is an obvious benefit to the company and the community.

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A sasquatch-costumed Taylor Jenkins stands on a snowy main street downtown Fernie.
East Kootenay, Elkford, Fernie, Sparwood, Education, Retail, Small Business, Tourism The results are in. The Elk Valley Business Retention and Expansion survey says . . .

Taylor Jenkins, Elk Valley economic recovery advisor, outlines what Elk Valley businesses can do to address their big three problems

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Owners of Happy Hills Farm standing in greenhouse with kids.
West Kootenay, Trail, Agriculture, Entertainment and Hospitality, Retail, Small Business, Tourism Trail’s 2021 Business Excellence Awards celebrated in style

Twelve custom hand-painted awards were handed out at this year’s Business Excellence ceremony

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Deirdre Howard wearing a yellow beekeepers suit
East Kootenay, Creston, Agriculture, Retail, Small Business Bolstering the bees and benefiting the Creston community

Catching up with Deirdre Howard, proud beekeeper and owner of Pure Honey Products in Creston.

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Owner of Kootenay Made Co., Leanne Hawkins at her store with a customer.
West Kootenay, Trail, Retail, Small Business When it comes to Kootenay-crafted merchandise, Leanne Hawkins has it made

The owner of Kootenay Made Co. in Trail shines her light on local artists and artisans, promoting their products in her brick-and-mortar shop.

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Hedin Nelson-Chorney smiles while leaning against a vat.
West Kootenay, Castlegar, Retail, Small Business Castlegar’s young brewer snags two prestigious awards

Hedin Nelson-Chorney, owner of Tailout Brewing, highlights how his business won Castlegar’s Young Entrepreneur Award and Green Award

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Stacy Batchelor (left). Allie Bruni (centre) and Kristin Olsen (right) fill out the team of co-owners of Fable Book Parlour.
West Kootenay, Revelstoke, Entertainment and Hospitality, Retail, Small Business Books, music and community come together in one special business in Revelstoke, B.C.

More than a bookstore, Fable Book Parlour fosters music, cookies and community in Revelstoke, B.C.

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Grant Sharam and Jim Cunnington sitting on eTrikes
East Kootenay, Kimberley, Environment, Retail, Small Business, Transportation Keeping the Kootenays up to speed with eco-friendly electric trikes

Grant Sharam and Jim Cunnington saw the need for affordable, accessible, green transportation—leading them to start eTrikes Canada in Kimberley.

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East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Cuisine, Real Estate, Retail, Technology Our top 10 thought leaders of 2021 from KootenayBiz

KootenayBiz has chosen our top 10 thought leaders of 2021

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Group photo of Business Excellence Award winners.
East Kootenay, Canal Flats, Fairmont Hot Springs, Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Retail, Small Business Columbia Valley Chamber celebrates 22nd annual Business Excellence Awards

The 22nd Annual Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence awards were held on November 18, 2021.

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Barbara Ross at the bar in the Burton City Cider tasting room
West Kootenay, Nakusp, Agriculture, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Retail, Tourism Living a farmsteader’s dream come true in Burton, B.C.

The owners of Burton City Cider produce Kootenay-made cider, honey and other quality products using environmentally conscious methods

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The owner and two managers of the Huckleberry Mountain Market standing behind a counter
West Kootenay, Christina Lake, Retail, Small Business Christina Lake employer retains satisfied staff despite a widespread B.C. worker shortage

The owner of Huckleberry Mountain Market stepped up and rewarded his staff with $30,000 in bonuses after a grueling COVID summer.

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Rendition of Canal Flats sign.
East Kootenay, Canal Flats, Developments, Financial, Retail, Small Business Canal Flats, B.C., wants your business to move there

Canal Flats, B.C., wants to grow its population and is offering a tax break to businesses that relocate to this small East Kootenay town

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interior of Barks and Recreation, with pet supplies on various racks
West Kootenay, Trail, Animal Care, Retail, Small Business Artistic animal lovers open a pet centre in Trail that does it all

The owners of Barks and Recreation pooled their talents to forge a comprehensive pet service and supply company.

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(L to R) Corinna Robinson, Mike Robinson and Christel Hagn stand in front of the Morchella Market building.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Agriculture, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Retail Morchella Market & Cafe: Cranbrook’s newest addition to the local “hidden-gem” collection

Morchella Market & Cafe is bringing a farm fresh feel to grocery shopping downtown Cranbrook, accompanied by the fully renovated co-working space upstairs

by Karrigan Folvik
Jared Williams stands in front of Northstar Bicycle Co., a lime green building in Cranbrook, B.C.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Health & Wellness, Retail, Small Business Bikes and coffee—what could be a better Kootenay combo?

Jared Williams, manager of Northstar Bicycle Co. in Cranbrook, B.C., has adapted his love of bicycles and coffee into a popular Kootenay Business

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Interior of Frisky Whisky Tapas Lounge, showing bar area and three art-deco style lights above bar.
East Kootenay, Creston, Agriculture, Cuisine, Financial, Retail, Small Business Kudos to Creston’s 2021 Business Excellence Award winners

11 awards were handed out at this year’s virtual Creston Business Excellence Awards gala

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Jeff Davie (up front in the middle with a black hat), his wife, Monica Davie (behind Jeff, wearing a blue shirt), and the team at Kaslo Building Supplies pose for a group photo.
West Kootenay, Kaslo, Retail, Small Business Commitment to customer service: Kaslo Building Supplies owner Jeff Davie leads the way

Jeff Davie, second-generation owner of Kaslo Building Supplies, describes how exceptional customer service leads to longevity

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Dragons' Den stage with logo.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Entertainment and Hospitality, Retail, Small Business These 9 Kootenay business entrepreneurs dared to take on the Dragons’ Den

Some had success, some didn’t, but these 9 brave Kootenay business people all faced down the Dragons’ Den

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Deborah Achleitner (L) and Sarah Albertson (R), co-owners of the Nelson Stitch Lab, standing in store.
West Kootenay, Nelson, Education, Entertainment and Hospitality, Retail, Small Business These artists are woven into the fabric of Nelson, thanks to the Nelson Stitch Lab

Nelson, B.C., is overflowing with sewists, thanks to the enthusiastic owners/teachers of the Nelson Stitch Lab

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Laura Price smiles wearing a pink shirt.
West Kootenay, Nelson, Retail, Small Business Scout Clothing in Nelson is persevering through the pandemic by connecting with customers online

Laura Price, owner of Scout Clothing in Nelson, B.C., is showcasing how small retail shops can offer an excellent online shopping experience

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Downtown Grand Forks
East Kootenay, Grand Forks, West Kootenay, Retail, Small Business Grand Forks, B.C., is filling up its vacant retail spaces via a unique economic development idea

Downtown revitalization in Grand Forks, B.C., was led by a unique five-week initiative

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The exterior of The Grater Good has wooden railings and large lined windows.
East Kootenay, Kimberley, Cuisine, Retail, Small Business Good to great: Kimberley’s Grater Good has new owners

Floris and René Steenkamp, new owners of The Grater Good Kitchen Supply Company in Kimberley, B.C., are excited to share their passion for cooking

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owners with their three small dogs, wearing cute little boots
East Kootenay, Kimberley, Animal Care, Retail, Small Business Kimberley pet owners are in love with this store

Erin Thompson and Brian Sondergaard are the driving forces behind Kimberley Kritters - a wildly successful pet supply store in Kimberley, B.C.

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Danielle Peet, owner of Wild Smile Events
West Kootenay, Trail, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Retail, Small Business, Tourism Celebrating a “Celebrate everything!” business at this year’s Trail Business Excellence Awards

It was an evening of online celebration and virtual toasts to the winners of the 2020 Trail Business Excellence Awards.

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Photo of person sitting on rock
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Cuisine, Developments, Entertainment and Hospitality, Retail, Small Business, Technology Top 10 stories of 2020 from KootenayBiz

Despite a challenging year, KootenayBiz told many inspiring and informative stories—here are our Top 10 from 2020

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(L to R) Dustin Gilchrist, Jacob Shimell and Wyatt Profili show off their custom creations at KYR Original in front of Nancy Greene Lake, near Warfield, B.C.
West Kootenay, Rossland, Retail, Small Business Kootenay roots run deep at KYR Supply in Warfield

Dustin Gilchrist, director of operations at KYR Supply in Warfield, B.C., creates Kootenay-inspired outdoor apparel that is made in Canada

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Tom Poole holding Business Excellence award.
West Kootenay, Revelstoke, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Retail, Small Business, Transportation Timber company with heart & top photographer score big at Revelstoke’s Business Excellence Awards

The Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Business Excellence Awards, virtual-style, on November 7th

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Keegan Street.
East Kootenay, Fernie, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Retail, Small Business In the “dark-roast” town of Fernie, Rooftop Coffee Roasters succeeds with a lighter touch

Spunky young entrepreneur’s coffee is flowing across the Kootenays and Canada from Rooftop Coffee Roasters in Fernie, B.C.

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Image showing two business people.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Retail, Small Business KootenayBiz is coming to a community near you

KootenayBiz’s bimonthly eNewsletters keep you informed and inspired about business successes in your communities

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Klapp family standing outside with banner.
East Kootenay, Elkford, Retail, Small Business Raising spirits with homemade jam at Elkford’s Business Excellence Awards

The annual Elkford Business Excellence Awards were held on October 29, 2020 via Zoom

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