Pop Up Shop!

Photographer John Cameron recently did a superb job with his image of our new pop-up shop in Ganges.  It looks grand and actually, sort of immense while it is in fact probably the smallest soap shop in the world!

As many of our loyal customers and locals know…..we had to move when our home of 15 years was torn down to make way for a big-box kind of store.  200 locals protested, of course, this being Saltspring Island…..but down came our shop and three others in almost the last old buildings in town to house small shops like ours.  Kind of sad to see the bubbles, new age, sushi and music shops disappear……

What to do until we move into larger quarters when the new bldg is finished? Well, Gary came up with a grand idea!  We would rent a small space on the edgy edge of town and try and lure locals and tourists alike to our new out-of-the-way spot.

It really did POP UP!  Gary designed the shop and signage, I offered some advice on paint colors, Bill brought his tool box and built shelving and painted, Amber hired charming and friendly Natasha to take care of the shop, trained her….and presto!  We had opening day 3 weeks from start to finish.  It cost $500…..this compared to the six months and 5 figures it cost us to open a shop out-of-town some years ago.

So, how’s it doing??? Well, happy to say, the bubbles are back….and blowing over town just like the old days…….and the feedback has been amazing…..and really, really interesting…..

Stay tuned for some fascinating news about the retail scene on Saltspring in general, and Saltspring  Soapworks in particular!

Have fun in the sun!

Linda

About Our Author

Linda Quiring

After 30 years….I still do the fun, creative part, and invent new soaps and the other body care items. Bill has been selling for a long time now, along with Amber, our daughter-in-law who has been with Soapworks for about 15 years. Our son Gary makes soap each morning.