Fashion for fall
Campbell Park is now home to Elle’s Boutique, a new fashion-forward ladies' clothing and accessories boutique in St. Albert. It carries a variety of lines including Dex, Pink Martini, Gentle Fawn, Orb, and Silver Jeans.
“We carry things for moms who want to be fashionable but need clothes to be functional — easy, fun wear that still looks trendy,” said co-owner Michelle Bishop. She originally opened Elle’s in Athabasca with husband Colby.
The pandemic forced the couple to pivot the majority of their business to online sales. Currently, online purchases make up 85 per cent of Elle’s business, compared to 15 per cent prior to COVID-19.
“We outgrew our warehouse in Athabasca and decided to open one in St. Albert. Originally it was just going to be a warehouse for online stock, but our customers asked us to open a storefront. So, we opened a 1,300-square-foot storefront,” Bishop said.
The move made economic sense, since in past year's clients from Edmonton, St. Albert, and Sherwood Park would drive to Athabasca to shop.
The warehouse started operations on Aug. 1 while the storefront officially opened a month later on Sept. 8. Elle’s Boutique is based at Unit 120 – 175 Carleton Drive.
Budding floral business
A new home-based flower shop is here. Nora Yaghi, owner-operator of Zen Blossoms, enjoyed a soft opening on the August long weekend.
Since she works from home, the professional florist operates a flexible, low-cost model. She orders flowers and greenery every week that share compatible or complementary colours. Each week a diverse blend is available.
“Every week I post on my website the flowers and different colour palettes I ordered. People can take a look. I also have a gallery of pictures on the website. There are pre-set options, but most people order by price and that can be $30 and up,” Yaghi said.
A floral designer with 10 years' experience, she puts her talents to use shaping elegant arrangements ranging from funky, traditional, and classic to whimsical, dramatic, and personalized.
“I let my imagination take me. I don’t plan ahead unless a sender asks [for] something specific. I let the flowers talk to me.”
Orders can be placed by calling or texting 780-905-1911. Zen Blossoms offers free delivery within St. Albert or no-contact pickup at 10 Delorme Place.
Hearing aids within earshot
Melody Hearing Clinic, an Edmonton-based business, just opened a branch in St. Albert’s Campbell Park on Oct. 6.
“We’re in a multi-disciplinary medical centre and we can cross-reference with other disciplines. Sometimes hearing loss has medical causes and is not related to age. Sometimes it’s a buildup of wax in the ear canal or other hearing disorders outside our scope, so it needs medical intervention. We can refer them to someone across the hall,” said Heather Buttar, clinic hearing practitioner.
The clinic arranges services for clients (18 plus) that range from hearing tests and hearing aids to custom-fit hearing protection that helps to reduce levels of noise.
Buttar said individuals exposed to high levels of noise often inquire about custom-fit hearing protection. A small sampling includes farmers, construction workers, loud machinery operators, and hunters. In addition, people who develop infections when submerged in water or who sleep next to a loud snorer seek advice on hearing protectors tailored to fit different individuals.
Melody Hearing Clinic occupies Unit 103 - 225 Carleton Dr.
If you know of a St. Albert and area business that has recently arrived, moved, or shut its doors, let us know by email at [email protected] with “Business Buzz” as the subject line.
