Why Now Is The Right Time To Launch A Sustainable Lifestyle Store In Saint John
SAINT JOHN- After some delays due to Covid-19, a store specializing in sustainable lifestyle products has officially opened its doors in uptown Saint John.
Located at 80 Prince William Street, Juniper wants to help people make ethical consumer choices by carrying sustainably made and sourced products like clothing and skin/hair care, gifts, and small homewares.
Owner Katelyn Price had planned to open the store back in the spring, but Covid-19 put things on hold. She says she’s happy to finally be welcoming customers.
“It feels really good. It feels like its been both a long time coming and also all at once. It feels satisfying and gratifying in equal parts,” she says.
Despite the delays it caused, she says the pandemic re-enforces Juniper’s mission of wellness and living more sustainably.
“I think if anything the global situation right now has really made it clear that we need to emphasize wellness and the health of our communities and I think that’s really fitting with the intention with Juniper from the start,” says Price. “If anything, I think it’s even more relevant and Juniper has become even more of what it was meant to be from the beginning.”
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Products Juniper carries range from ethically sourced clothing, jewelry, housewares, bath/hair, and skincare products. The store also features a refill station, where customers can bring in their own containers and fill them with things like shampoo, conditioners, lotions, and more.
“I’m really interested in knowing what people want to see,” says Price. “If someone pops in and doesn’t see what they anticipated seeing, or would like to have something in particular, I’m so open to taking that on. I’ve started a list and I would really like to build, especially on the refill station.”
The store officially opened last Wednesday and Price says she’s received lots of support form the community.
“Not only everyone popping in, but also the community of businesses. I’ve received messages on social media and shares from all of my neighbours up and down the street. Local businesses have been so supportive,” she says.
“Everyone popping in has commented on how the space looks and how they think this is exactly what Saint John needs, how they have the intention of using the refill station. Just across the board, there’s been so much support.”