Caravan And Company Opening Pop-Up Shop In Riverview
MONCTON – Caravan and Company is taking its online store to a brick-and-mortar location in Riverview, at least from November 19 to December 13.
The business that began operating last year sells curated clothing, jewellery, accessories and other products from around the world.
Those products will soon be available at 540 Pinewood Rd, Riverview.
Owner Erin Keatch says the physical store will carry the products that are also available online. That includes handwoven Waayu bags from Colombia, bangles made out of recycled flip-flops from Mali, and artisan jewellery and Christmas tree ornaments from Mexico, among other things.
“We aim to have the majority of our products made by artisans or women,” she said. “And there are going to be really unique, different products.”
Keatch has been stocking up for the holiday season for both the online and physical space. That’s a traditionally busy time for her business, so she figured, it’s the best time to test the waters with a physical store.
“This is kind of a great way to test the market,” she said. “Going forward, if it’s successful, I would definitely like to have a physical space that’s permanent.”
Keatch says she’s concerned that people might be more cautious of their spending due to the impact of the pandemic on the economy, but she’s optimistic.
“I do think, around the holidays…that people do still want to get out and see physical things they can touch and see in person. So I am optimistic that people will be out,” she said.
During the pandemic, she’s seen a large increase in online sales. But what she wants to offer in a brick and mortar store is an experience.
“It doesn’t have to necessarily be just about shopping. It’s about being in a nice environment, having that experience of touching things, seeing them in person, having an experience that takes you out of your house,” she said.
The fashion designer says she plans to have a cozy but minimalist store with white vintage furniture, to contrast the colourful products.
“I’m going to have this sort of little living room set up. I’m kind of going for an apartment kind of feel,” she said.
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