The latest new business openings and business transformations including new owners, moves and major renovations. More great reasons to shop local!
Brabary
Collingwood has a new boutique that caters to women looking for specialty sizing and a comfortable fit in bras. Serving the region for the past 12 years through its Barrie location, Brabary has now opened its doors in downtown Collingwood. The store offers specialized bra fittings up to cup size J, fine lingerie, swimwear, sleepwear, prostheses, shape wear and more. Popular brands include Chantelle, PrimaDonna, Empreinte, Marie Jo, Shan, Hanro and Hanky Panky.
“At Brabary, we are all about the fit,” says owner Jane Decola. “Many women are wearing wrong-sized bras. A proper fitting can lead to many positive changes in their health and appearance. Committed to promoting a sense of ‘I’m worth it’ to women of all ages, we offer bras in specialty sizing and work closely with you to find your perfect match. We pride ourselves on our high standard of customer service and our friendly, welcoming environment!”
Born and raised in Barrie, Decola found herself having to travel to Toronto to find a truly comfortable bra, and realized that comfort can only be achieved through a proper bra fitting. After realizing her dream of making a bra boutique accessible to clients north of Toronto in her hometown, she was selected as the 2013 Business Woman of the Year and received the Retail Business of Excellence award in 2008.
“You never need an appointment for a fitting at Brabary,” says Decola. “All of our staff are trained bra fitters. Fittings can take around 30 minutes.”
Open Mon.-Thurs. 10-5:30, Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-5
115 Hurontario St., Collingwood
705-444-9242
www.brabary.com
Sassenach
“Quality clothing for lads and lassies in Southern Georgian Bay.” This phrase pretty much sums up the philosophy of a new “all things Scottish” shop in Stayner that sells Barbour men’s and women’s clothing, Lochcarron tartans, outerwear, Sahara wellness tea and healthy cosmetics.
“Sassenach was born out of a passion to make people happy, supply quality and provide excellent customer service,” says owner Tiffany McGowan-Palmer. “We’re a shop built on Scottish heritage, supplying Scottish brands to customers who like to live a countryside lifestyle, wearing clothes that are durable, comfortable and stylish.”
The name Sassenach [Sass~uh~nak] is Gaelic for foreigner or outlander, McGowan-Palmer explains. “I was originally not from the area, but I’m now a local, not to mention being a massive Outlander fan! I wanted to offer both men and women a store in which they could purchase quality clothing that was meant to be lived in.”
McGowan-Palmer also wanted to stay true to her Scottish ancestry; hence the Scottish name and the Barbour brand. To complete the authentic experience, Sassenach serves and sells specialty tea in the shop. “I want people to come in and have an experience wrapped in history,” she says.
Open Wed. 10-2, Thurs. & Fri. 10-7, Sat. 10-4, Sun. 10-1.
7272 Hwy. 26, Stayner
705-994-2711
www.SassenachOn26.com
Simcoe Street Books
Building on the success of Curiosity House Books & Gallery, established in Creemore 22 years ago, owners Rina Barone and Christopher Dunk have opened a new local bookshop in Collingwood. Simcoe Street Books sells new books, highlighting Canadian literature, beautiful children’s picture books and small independent presses. The shop also carries magazines, cards, art and gifts made by local artisans.
“What makes our shop unique is that we personally hand select every title in the shop, bringing you the very best in Canadian literature, foreign fiction, children’s books and new titles from small publishers you may not even have heard of,” says Barone.
Simcoe Street Books will happily special-order books not in stock, and offers a loyalty program where customers earn points with every purchase. The company is also a small publisher of fine art, local history and children’s books.
“Independent bookstores are alive and well,” says Barone. “Our future is bright, and we’re excited to be expanding to Collingwood to better serve our Southern Georgian Bay customers.”
Open Tues.-Sat. 10-5
65 Simcoe Street, Collingwood
705-293-0329
www.curiosityhousebooks.com
Jennifer Graham
CPA Professional Corporation
Chartered Professional Accountant Jennifer Graham recently opened a new accounting practice in Collingwood. “My mission is to provide much-needed affordable accounting services, education and direction to local small to mid-size businesses, empowering them to make strategic decisions and grow sustainably,” says Graham.
In addition to offering complete accounting services including bookkeeping, personal taxes, business consulting, corporate year-end and taxation, Graham’s CPA designation qualifies her to provide clients with innovative entrepreneurship advice.
“After 10 years’ experience in public accounting in the industry and public health sectors, I am excited to be opening a local accounting firm in the community I love,” says Graham. “Focusing on building relationships with clients that are more like partnerships, I offer a boutique level of personal service combined with a high level of professionalism expected of a CA and CPA registered firm.
I look forward to servicing businesses and individuals in Southern Georgian Bay.”
By appointment
243 Hurontario Street, 2nd Floor, Collingwood
705-888-0713
www.jennifergrahamcpa.ca
TRANSFORMATIONS
Barriston Law
Family law lawyer Hilary Goodman has joined Barriston Law to grow her practice in Collingwood, providing legal assistance to clients in all areas of family law including separation, divorce, custody and access, spousal support, child support and division of property.
“Family law can be complex,” says Goodman. “Receiving competent, timely and thoughtful advice is extremely beneficial and comforting to people weathering the uncertainties of these situations. The family law team at Barriston has considerable experience in all aspects of family law. Our senior lawyers are some of the most well-respected and experienced family law lawyers north of the GTA. This is one aspect of the ‘bench strength’ of the firm. Having trained with this team, I can consult with them for advice and mentorship while resolving matters for clients.”
Barriston Law also offers legal advice in the areas of corporate law, real estate law and wills and estates law. “Barriston is dedicated to making a difference in our communities, as well as the lives of our clients,” Goodman adds. “We have been actively involved in many community initiatives, cultivating positive connections every day.”
By appointment Mon.-Fri. 9-5
1 First Street (The Admiral Building), Suite 224, Collingwood
705-445-1200
www.barristonlaw.com
