You’ve probably noticed the new shop next to the Bowen Beer & Wine Cellar by now, stocked full of Christmas cards, gifts and more. But just in case you haven’t strolled by yet, the Ruddy Emporium is ready to welcome people inside at their grand opening this Saturday, Dec. 10.
The space, officially termed a health and wellness store, has been open for about a month after soft launching in mid-November. It’s partly born out of changes taking place upstairs at the Ruddy. Store manager Melanie Mason says several tables of Christmas displays meant a number of items had to be shifted elsewhere. This meant stock had to be sent downstairs, and Mason decided it was a good time to try and see if the health and wellness theme could trek out on its own.
There will be a lot of help during December, as the Emporium is also currently serving as a gift shop, selling a variety of items - many from right here on Bowen Island - including coffees, candles, flowers, cards, art work, herbs, and lots of other assorted gifts.
Mason is hoping the space can continue once the new year begins. She says the Ruddy Cafe is planning on returning the indoor seating that existed prior to Covid, so the extra space would be preferable.
But for now, the focus is Christmas. Saturday’s grand opening coincides with something Islanders always look forward to - the delivery of Ruddy Christmas Trees. 150 will be arriving the same day, and available both upstairs at the Ruddy and downstairs at the Emporium.
The event starts at 10 am and runs to 6 pm. Emporium manager Carmen Balon will be on-hand with her homemade tea, and there will be cookies too.
For the rest of December, the Emporium will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, closed on Mondays. The Ruddy will be closed Christmas and Boxing Day, and open on New Year’s Eve.
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