Local Shops

Toy Traders – Pulse Spotlight – 12.11.11

Sunday, December 11th, 2011

Congratulations to our two winners! This contest is now closed.

As a kid, the thought of having your own toy store meant freedom to play with any and every toy you could imagine, all day long.  That dream, in the mind of just about any kid, would be pure bliss.  Imagine the fun and thrill of having every toy you could ever want, within reach, at any given time.  While there may only be a few of us who turned that dream into reality, Matthew Purdy, the Owner of Toy Traders in Langley, is one of them.

This Yukon born man moved to BC to attend high school in Abbotsford and has been in business in Langley since 1995.  What started mainly as a toy trading business has now evolved into BC’s largest independent toy store.  As a former toy collector himself, Matthew is a great example of someone who enjoys what he does and who turned his passion for toys into a successful business.

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Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – Pulse Spotlight – 12.05.11

Monday, December 5th, 2011

Like the song goes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, and a great way to spend your time (and some money!) is at Glenda’s Christmas Cottage. Glenda’s is an amazing Christmas store that opens up every year in November and December. If you’re looking for anything Christmas related—from candles to tree ornaments to a Christmas village—you’ll probably find it at Glenda’s. Honestly, we could spend hours at the store and still not see everything she has available.

Owner Glenda Cox opened Glenda’s Christmas Cottage 22 years ago at her husband’s suggestion. She had so many Christmas decorations he told her she should open a store at Christmas. Glenda says she didn’t think the store would survive and spent the first year operating out of one room while spending most of her time outside. After a few years, the store was expanded. Now, the cottage takes up an entire shed in the yard and Glenda has seven workers helping her manage the store. Even her granddaughters help out.

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In The Company of Friends – 10.10.11

Sunday, October 9th, 2011

In our current world of big box stores full of generic knick knacks and tidbits, it’s refreshing to find a store that offers unique and one of a kind items.  When you visit In the Company of Friends in Cloverdale, you will discover just this.  Not only will you find personal and adorable treasures that are perfect for gifts (for others or yourself), but you might be inspired to spruce up your own space too!

In the Company of Friends celebrates its 9 year anniversary this December and is not only a family business, but a business full of support from friends.  Barbara St. Laurent, a married Mother of two grown children, originally bought the space from one of her daughters and expanded it into what it is today. 

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The Passionate Home – Pulse Spotlight – 07.04.11

Sunday, July 3rd, 2011

The Passionate Home in Langley is one of those charming stores that you walk into when you just need inspiration or if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind item to complete the look of a particular room in your home.  It’s also a place for unique gifts and beautiful things to give to someone special, or just take home for yourself.

The moment you walk in, you will discover beautifully designed spaces, ranging in styles from Shabby Chic to Country Cottage.  The Passionate Home is a treasure trove of old mixed with new and has the feel of a flea market in some respects.  It’s as though all the best finds landed here, with affordable prices and a constantly rotating stock.

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Crush Clothing – Pulse Spotlight – 05.30.11

Sunday, May 29th, 2011

Sparkles and jewels and lace, oh my! Crush Clothing is such a fun place to shop. This South Surrey boutique carries exclusive lines of clothing, footwear, and some seriously fabulous accessories! It is a unique boutique that you must visit, ladies.

We discovered Crush Clothing & Accessories a few years ago but have recently visited and fallen in love all over again! Just in time for a Spring wardrobe update!

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Eco Floor Store – Pulse Spotlight – 03.07.11

Monday, March 7th, 2011

Most consumers nowadays are aware of healthier choices for lots of everyday necessities in their lives. Information is readily available on organic food choices, healthier beauty product selections, even greener ways to pack up your belongings during a move of house or office. If you are anything like us, we have never really given the paint, mouldings or flooring in our home a second thought – until we were introduced to The Eco Floor Store. Sure, we had heard of sustainable bamboo flooring and lower-toxicity paint, but that was about as far as it went. Now, we’re completely obsessed with all of the eco-friendly possibilities!

The Eco Floor Store opened on the Langley/Surrey border in January 2011 and it is a perfect fit for Owner Jared Kress.

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Spotlight: January 10, 2011: Elemental Canine

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

It’s not hard nowadays to find healthy dining options, to find knowledgeable people who can help us eat smarter and fuel our bodies with nutritious foods. But how about for our pets? In our experience, a trip to the big box pet stores does not equal many healthy options for them.

Elemental Canine in Cloverdale has a fabulous commitment to providing healthy options for pets. A veterinarian assistant for several years, owner Lisa Robinson commits herself to helping people find healthy food and treat options for their fur babies. The Cloverdale pet boutique carries raw food (human quality ingredients) and healthy kibble options. Lisa says a lot of her time is spent counseling visitors on the right raw protein types for their dogs, or how to create balanced home-cooked meals. And it’s true: every time we visit, there is a constant stream of people coming in for just that!

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Spotlight: December 13, 2010 – Mally Designs

Monday, December 13th, 2010

You’ve heard us say a million times that we have some exceptionally talented people in the Fraser Valley. Today’s Spotlight is one of our favourite local success stories. Three years ago we were shopping in Fort Langley when we stumbled upon a most fabulous creation. We later learned that Mally Bibs were created in Abbotsford and now we love them even more!

Nicole Garza is a mother of two. As all mothers know, laundry and motherhood go hand in hand. Frustrated at the constant laundering of stained bibs, Nicole put her mind to creating a new kind of bib. Something durable, stain resistant and easy to clean.

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Spotlight: December 6, 2010 – Essential Packaging Store

Monday, December 6th, 2010

If you want to add a little extra spice and pizazz to your gifts this holiday season, you need to head to the Essential Packaging Store in Cloverdale. It is a dreamland of boxes, ribbons, wrapping paper, accents, shred, bags and other packaging. Whether you are wrapping cookies, clothes, toys, or even gift cards, this awesome shop has everything you need!

Owner Anna Ludwinowski and her husband David purchased the Essential Packaging wholesale business in 1995. Their business was with corporate clients who were ordering custom-print packaging, ribbons and other specialty packaging (a division of their company that is still booming today). Crafters caught wind of this great local business and started to make requests, although they would need only a few pieces at a time. Anna recalls selling pieces from half opened boxes under their desks for a couple of years, until it became clear it was time to open up a storefront.

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Spotlight: November 29, 2010 – Into Chocolate

Monday, November 29th, 2010

Congratulations to Conny! This contest is now closed.

Imagine a store filled with delectable chocolates, brightly coloured confectionary and candies both you and your parents would remember from childhood. That store? It’s in Fort Langley. It’s called Into Chocolate and you need to pay it a visit!

Into Chocolate Specialty Sweets is paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. Take a trip down memory lane as you discover Thrills, Charleston Chews, Pez, Whirly Pops and so many different candy varieties from your childhood. Enjoy many varieties of imported sweets and chocolates from Great Britain, Australia, Germany and other countries. Try some Crick-ettes by Hotlix or perhaps chocolate covered insects are more your style?

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