SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A little more than a year ago, Jill Groenewegen saw a niche to fill in Yellowknife. Her store, Bijou Boutique, carries a unique line of housewares, bedding, candles, hand creams, accessory bags and gifts.

Jill Groenewegen's Bijou Boutique is one year old now. Her second year in business will bring an expanded store, and more housewares and gift choices. - Walter Strong/NNSL photo

When she moved into the Franklin Avenue location last May, she wasn't sure how Yellowknife would receive her store concept.

"I didn't know how people would respond to the store," Groenewegen said.

"I wasn't expecting anything, I just went into it hoping it would work out."

And work out it has. She's rented vacant space beside her store, and plans to knock down a wall to make space for more housewares.

Most of her advertising is through social media, with downtown workers sometimes making their way to her store during their lunch breaks after having seen her morning posts on Facebook or Instagram.

"I try to put something new up everyday," she said.

Groenewegen sources most of her stock from trade shows and by browsing online. Much of what she carries in store is made in Canada, including jewelry by Acho Dene Native Crafts of Fort Liard, and seasonal fur items by Yellowknife's Dene Furs.

She brings a bit of the big city to Yellowknife as well, with handmade designer leather bags from Vancouver's Erin Templeton leather bags and accessories.

She said you can't always predict what's going to resonate with Yellowknifers.

"Specific things are very popular," Groenewegen said. "These owl mugs for example, I swear everyone in Yellowknife must have one by now."

"I can't keep them in the store."

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.