As we all know, our current world events have affected us all in a multitude of ways. My heart goes out to those who’ve been severely affected, and specifically to those small businesses who have been greatly impacted this year.
I wanted to give a special shout-out to a couple of businesses I personally have repeatedly shopped at and continue to love, and that I feel deserve the recognition and support! Some of these businesses are in the surrounding area of the Ottawa Valley, but all within a fair distance. Many of these businesses have online websites you can check out as well 💕
There are obviously so many more businesses that could be listed here and are worth mentioning, so please don’t hesitate to comment on some that you’d recommend or would like to bring awareness too.
PICK IT FENCE
Location: Renfrew & Pembroke
This store is seriously so cute and trendy! Their slogan is “A world of gifts & home decor” and let me tell you, I’d love anything from that store as a gift and I’d buy out their entire home decor section if I could. One of my favourite items they have right now is a whale pitcher and I’m obsessed with their planters! Definitely check them out online or in-store and give them some love! You won’t be disappointed ✨
CASHMERE & ROSE
Location: Almonte
Cashmere & Rose is a flower shop in Almonte, Ontario that has an in-front store offering some of the best local products from jewelry, home decor, cards, lotions and soaps. I always have to stop here when I visit Almonte to get a smell of Perth Soap Co. lotion in ‘Vanilla Coconut’ as well as the ‘Vanilla Fig’ scent. It’s one of the best smells, and it lingers on the skin which is so hard to come by. The jewelry is also another favourite, as they range from larger pieces to more dainty; which is my preference, so it’s nice that they offer a multitude of styles! Highly recommend checking out this shop ✨
CHEERFULLY MADE
Location: Almonte
Everything from the store’s name to its yellow exterior screams ‘cheerful’! You can’t not be happy when you spot this brightly coloured store amongst the string of shops. They describe themselves as a ‘handmade hub for local area makers and the people who love them’. Such an incredible way to support the talents and creativity of locals, and I’m always blown away every time I’m browsing the store. They have a multitude of items to shop for including home decor, Bath & Body, Accessories, Clothing, Paper Goods, and more! They are definitely worth checking out online or in-store ✨
DOREE’S HABIT
Location: Almonte
This local clothing and accessories shop is described as “Unique apparel. Distinct accessories. Authentic atmosphere”. I couldn’t agree more with their statement! It’s honestly one of my favourite clothing stores, and every time I go I’m carrying armfuls of clothing to the dressing room to try on. What makes me appreciate this store, even more, is that as a mid-plus sized gal I can find clothes that fit no problem! They offer a variety of styles, and I’ve seen women of all ages gravitating towards this store. Take the time to check them out, whether online or in-store ✨
Related Post: Winter Style Diaries including pieces purchased from Doree’s Habit.
TIN BARN MARKET
Location: Almonte
The exterior of this store alone is enough to draw you in, (and is the perfect backdrop for IG photos, just sayin’) however the interior is just as lovely. They advertise as an “ever-evolving shop concept that brings together a stylishly eclectic mix of vintage, handmade, & new items for home & living”. I adore every aspect of this store, and some of my favourite pieces to check out are the vintage Knobs + Pulls and the tin hearts they have displayed. Check them out online or in-store! ✨
OLDE CROW CREEK
Location: Pakenham
This small shop packs a punch with its seriously incredible products and home decor! I’ve visited this shop plenty of times with my mom (it’s her fave) and It’s one of my favourite places to visit around Christmas time; their seasonal decor is never a disappointment! They offer urban-country home decor and their own line of hand-poured soy candles. I can’t recommend the candles enough, they’re my favourite candles ever! My mom’s recommendation is the room sprays, which she always makes sure to have on hand. Once I’m able to get a place of my own, you’ll be sure to find me here picking up some home decor! Check them out in-store or on their Facebook page ✨
JADE & LANEY BOUTIQUE
Location: Arnprior
This clothing shop in Arnprior is such a gem! They offer clothing, accessories, and lifestyle pieces! Even if I’m not purchasing anything, I always make a pit stop into the shop while I’m in Arnprior to check out what they have that’s new. The clothes they sell are worth checking out, and I love that there are pieces you wouldn’t find at a fast-fashion store. I always naturally gravitate towards the lifestyle pieces, and the aesthetic drinkware accessories they offer are always on my list. I highly recommend checking them out online or in-store! ✨
A DASH OF FAB
Location: Arnprior & Renfrew
A Dash of Fab brands themselves as a women’s clothing store with “boho chic, vintage-inspired clothing, European flare designs”. If that doesn’t get your attention, I don’t know what will! The clothes in this store always draw me in, and they’re super cute! You can find pieces you wouldn’t find anywhere else, making it unique and special and all the more exciting to shop. This women’s clothing store is for sure worth checking out, and you can find them online or in-store ✨
I also wanted to mention that anytime I have visited these stores I’ve been greeted with friendly employees and a welcoming atmosphere. This environment alone makes shopping at small businesses that much easier, and it can quickly become your favourite Sunday activity; as it has for me!
Supporting small businesses and shopping local are all important for the community, especially during a pandemic. I found a Canadian article titled Top 10 Reasons to Shop Local that provides an easy to follow explanation on the importance of shopping local for those that are interested in learning more.
Thank you so much for reading, and as mentioned previously, please don’t hesitate to comment on any other local businesses that you’d recommend or would love to give a shout-out too! It doesn’t have to be a business within the Ottawa Valley & Surrounding Area. 🌿
