CHARLIE & LEE (223 Union, )
Co-owner Kleah Michnik
Opened April 18th, 2011
Why did you choose to set up shop where you did?
My husband Josh and I struggled with picking a location as most small business owners do. We felt Chinatown was more suited to us for so many reasons. We love the atmosphere, the creative community, the history, and the pride people have for their neighbourhood. The rest of the businesses around our area are small and independently owned operated every day by the people that own them. We all love what we do and are passionate about what we have invested our lives into. We are a tight-knit group on Union Street and have all become friends. In fact, there are still a couple of spots for lease on Union Street that would suit any type of independent business.
What lines do you carry exclusively?
Per Diem, Lonely Hearts, Lonely Lingerie, ACB by Annie Costello Brown, Bliss Lau, Gar-De, Merit Weinstock, The West is Dead and Metsa. Some of our more popular lines are Rag & Bone, The Lake & Stars, Myne, Dolan, and Iro.
Do you feel like Chinatowns face is changing?
Chinatown is changing and there are tough issues to be addressed in managing these changes. I hope the City of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»does so in a responsible, respectful manner while preserving Chinatowns history. I think that is very important to most people who live here.
BOARD OF TRADE (227 Union, )
Co-owners Eunice Quan and David Lin
Opened August, 2011
Why did you choose to set up shop where you did?
When we first developed the concept behind our boutique, we decided that we wanted to build a brand and space that was inspirational to the local creative community by constantly showcasing innovative designs. We felt that our concept would get lost in the already defined districts such as Gastown, Yaletown and Mount Pleasant. Chinatown has a young burgeoning creative vibe, people here are still sharing ideas and creating with one another. The collaborative element was alive and we wanted to grow within this positive movement.
What lines do you carry exclusively?
Most are exclusive to our store. When were scouting for labels to carry, we place a strong focus on searching for labels that we feel have potential, but arent well represented in the local market. We have our own in house collection WU+SEN and indie labels that we hold exclusive rights to, including Painkiller, Shake Appeal and Sundays. We are also currently the only Canadian stockist to carry Soulland.
Do you feel like Chinatowns face is changing?
Chinatown is changing. There is a great community of young creatives filling the void in Vancouvers retail and creative scene. We came into Chinatown because we wanted to be a part of that change.
SPENCER INTERIORS (708 Main, )
Owner Stephen Spencer
Opened Oct., 2011
Why did you choose to set up shop where you did?
The store opened in 2004 in our original location at Granville and West 7th. We closed our West 7th location in the summer of 2011 and reopened in Chinatown. Of all the areas we considered for our relocation, Chinatown had the most appeal in terms of character, proximity to our clients, and the availability of street parking. When the commercial spaces on the main floor of the Ginger building came up for sale, we approached the City with the idea of combining the four Strata units into one 3,600-square-foot space. With assistance from developer David Porte and the help of architect Tony Robins, we came up with a design proposal that took advantage of the spaces 80 feet of storefront and also satisfied the existing code requirements.
What lines do you carry exclusively?
We actively promote and sell approximately 50 Italian furniture and lighting lines that are exclusive to us. Among these are lines such as Luminara, Meridiani, Pianca, Porada, and Verzelloni.
Do you feel like Chinatowns face is changing?
Perhaps the best word to describe the process that is occurring in Chinatown is transition. Transition is a quieter, gentler kind of evolution that repurposes, refurbishes, and reestablishes value and respect for things which have authenticity and cultural relevance. We like to think that were a very small part of this transition and that we are part of a community of local businesses that are mindful of the areas history and optimistic about its future. Ninety-three years ago my great-grandparents lived a few blocks away from where our store is located, and they grew vegetables in their front yard, and watched horses pull carts down the gravel street. The city of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»has been in a process of transition for a very long time.
