In addition to expanding its space by 11,000 square feet, the new and improved Kootenay Co-op will also boast its own parking lot and bike racks for shoppers. This should bring a tremendous boost in business, especially since there are plans in the works for an eat-in deli, cooking classroom and community space. There will be more upgrades and improvements to the building structure as well, in an effort to make it as eco-friendly as possible. 

The new Canadian Store is roughly 30,000 square feet and contains a Mark’s Work Wearhouse, an automotive centre, storage space and a garden centre.

The store was custom designed to fit into the Columbia Valley’s retail scene and has been in operation for a number of weeks after a soft opening earlier in the year.

Before the new store opened in Invermere the Cranbrook Canadian Tire location was the closest to the Columbia Valley.

With the addition of the Invermere store, Canadian Tire now has five locations throughout the Kootenays—Cranbrook, Fernie, Trail, Castlegar and now Invermere.

Canadian Tire is one of Canada’s largest and most successful retailers.

Mark Zeabin was the beloved owner of a coffin manufacturing company for roughly 12 years, and after the loss of his long-term source of income he left Castlegar with his girlfriend, Elysia Samarodin, for the city of Vancouver. Samarodin planned to attend school for one year and Zeabin began searching for a new passion.

The coffin manufacturing company that he had previously owned focused on designing "coffin furniture"— essentially his products could be used as furniture and then as a coffin afterwards. The practicality of that business venture inspired him to segue into another unique project—growing gardens inside caskets.

“I went straight from death into life and I started this garden business,” said Zeabin. “The first one was supposed to be a combination coffin garden—that’s kind of where the idea started. You could use your furniture as the ultimate—basically grow sprouts, herbs and small, fresh vegetables all year round.”

Zeabin describes the coffin garden concept as the ultimate gag—people could eat healthy foods from a coffin garden or face their fate.

“It’s pretty cool,” said Zeabin. “But the coffin garden is more of a conversation item . . . So I took the coffin out of it and (also) started building regular indoor garden appliances.”

The benefits of inside gardening

Zeabin was initially inspired to start the business after living in a small Vancouver condo with Samarodin. He began to miss aspects of life in the Kootenays and realized that many people in the city also wanted to grow gardens but didn’t have the space to do it.

Zeabin believes that a lack of space outside shouldn’t prevent people from having gardens or leading healthy lifestyles. He noticed that many people experience problems growing seedlings on windowsills or in areas with a short growing climate because the plants can freeze and die. By contrast, growing a garden inside with the proper equipment has a number of advantages.

“It’s simply a unit where you can grow your own greens all year round and get good, healthy food,” said Zeabin. “It’s a really kind piece of furniture. I use reclaimed wood in a lot of (cases), or sustainable wood at the very least. I build them myself and they don’t use too much power—it’s only about $50 a year for the big unit. So it’s very energy efficient.”

The indoor garden units can be purchased with or without a coffin, and they are equipped with full-spectrum lights, an air-circulation system and an optional water system for irrigation. Zeabin compares the garden units to kitchen furniture—the sizes range from a fridge to a dishwasher, and they can be as small as a microwave.

For more information about Homesown, visit the Homesown website. 

“I find that every town has a favourite store that customers love to browse through when visiting,” said Komaryk. “My goal is to become the must-see with the must-haves in beautiful downtown Revelstoke.”

Evolve offers its visitors an ever-changing array of home accents and unique gifts. Visit 201 Mackenzie Avenue in Revelstoke to check the shop's beautiful displays. The store is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with reduced hours on Sunday.

“Together with my wonderful staff, Jillian Casson and Mary-Jo Dembecki, we hope to give everyone the best customer service,” said Komaryk.

DUI is a quickly recognized acronym. Brad Bidner, however, has chosen it as his up-and-coming apparel company name, and given it a creative twist.

“Dressed Under the Influence has several meanings, but can have its own to anyone. To the brand, it’s because we work with several artists,” Bidner said.

He didn’t want to work for someone else, but Bidner needed a way to pay the bills. He chose clothing because he was familiar with the business. Also, he wanted to create products that were relevant to everything he is passionate about.

Based in Revelstoke, DUI has already established marketing strategies. All items are limited edition. Right now, most sales are in Canada, but Bidner hopes to take DUI worldwide. Regardless, the brand does all its purchasing and production in Canada, and is proud to be helping communities thrive.

“I'm always meeting new artists and looking forward to working with them,” Bidner said. “There’s a lot going on at the moment. Every day we're being offered new opportunities.”

DUI markets mostly through social media, their online store, and random “pop-up” shops.

“We're always learning new ways to gain more exposure to our target markets,” said Bidner. “The best way is to spread the word (via) word of mouth, so tell your friends.”

DUI online store is at www.duiapparel.com. You can also follow them on Facebook to keep up with what’s happening.