Elevator I want you to close your eyes and think about your hometown, or your local community. Now think about some of the most popular areas there. Are there any small businesses? The answer is very likely yes. Now imagine those businesses all closed down, how would this affect the local economy? How would it affect your personal life? Are there some businesses that you would be heartbroken to see go? Again, the answer is very likely yes.
Local businesses are the backbone of our economy and community. Not only do they give our towns and cities character and charm, but they also help to stimulate the economy through innovation and employment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on practically every aspect of our daily lives, from who we’re allowed to see, to where we’re allowed to shop. Small business owners have had to quickly adapt to a new way of life to ensure the safety of their employees and customers, and have taken on a huge cost as a result. There has never been a more crucial time to support local businesses.
Since it’s been a bit challenging to know who’s still open and what capacity they’re operating at, ELEVATOR has put together a list of some AWESOME businesses across Canada that definitely deserve a shoutout.
ONTARIO:
- Blue Tile Lounge: Blue Tile Lounge (BTL) first opened in 1997 as a skate park, but eventually turned into the legendary apparel and skate shop it is today. They have a curated selection of premium brands, while also making sure to carry local Canadian boards, apparel and accessories. BTL is open for curbside pickup and online orders.
- Made For The Lake: Made For The Lake Co. was created and is owned by Jackie Saik. Lake life and the outdoors had always been the centre of her happiness and she wanted a business that would incorporate that into her everyday. The first Classic Hoodie was sold at an Art Market on Go Home Lake that Jackie helped create with another local artist. MFTL Co. is currently open for online orders.
- Ela Hand Bags: Ela aims to bridge the gap between great design and accessible fashion by redefining the concept of luxury. They design timeless pieces that are crafted from vegan materials with the goal to make sustainability and animal-safe products the new normal. Ela is available for online orders.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
- Brunette The Label: Founded in early 2014, Brunette the Label is a clothing brand based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. All of their products are passionately designed in Canada by the babes at Brunette Headquarters. Brunette the Label is available for online orders.
- Leah Alexandra: Leah Alexandra Jewelry was born from a lifelong obsession with gemstones. Having been trained in design and metalsmithing, Leah wielded her artistry and craftsmanship talents to found her own jewelry company in 2005. Upon trading in her savings for supplies, what began from the kitchen table of her Vancouver apartment soon blossomed into a brand with a following across the globe. Leah Alexandra Jewelry is available for online orders.
QUEBEC:
- BKind: BKIND is a Montreal brand founded on awareness of self and all that surrounds us – these values combined with their passion for natural care makes BKIND a company offering natural, effective and quality products that are manufactured with respect for everything that surrounds us. BKind is available for online orders.
- Evive: Evive’s mission is to make healthy food more accessible to all while having a positive impact on our environments and daily routines. They’re most known for their unique and delicious frozen smoothie cubes (no blender required!). Evive is available for online orders, delivered right to your door.
- Atelier B: Anne-Marie and Catherine are the inseparable friends who founded the atelier b brand in 2009. Their collections of durable and minimalist clothing for men, women and children are made gently in Montreal from natural fibre textiles. Atelier is available for online orders.
ALBERTA:
- Purr: This unique clothing and accessories store carries a mix of casual street wear and beautiful designer pieces. Purr’s selection of handbags, scarves and jewellery complements the pretty dresses, coats and more that are available in a wide price range. Purr is available for online orders.
- Made by Marcus: In 2016 Marcus opened his first ice cream shop on 17th Avenue. Now, Made by Marcus has four locations with three in Calgary and one in Edmonton. This ice cream is built from scratch with dairy from grass-fed cows and real ingredients produced by farmers, roasters, distillers and artisans we know and trust. Made by Marcus is open in stores with Covid guidelines in place for customers and staff.
- Plant: Plant’s brick-and-mortar shop opened in March 2014 in a 1000 square foot space in Inglewood. With a continually expanding product line, partnerships with local and international makers, artists, and craftspeople, Plant is known for offering unique, well-curated selection of products and designs, and friendly, approachable customer service. Plant is open for curbside pickup and online orders.