SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
After a few yoga mats turned into an increasingly popular retail section of Judy McNicol's yoga studio, the business owner decided it was time to expand.
Judy McNicol, owner and instructor at Taiga Yoga, stands next to some of the clothing she currently sells at her studio. - NNSL file photo
|
McNicol, owner and an instructor at Taiga Yoga on 49 Street, said the location for a new retail clothing store wasn't hard to pin down, contrary to the frustrated experiences of some other retailers in the area.
In fact, she's already secured her venue of choice, which is the current location of Cavo on Franklin Avenue and an already successful spot for her window displays promoting Taiga Yoga in the past.
"I've always liked that spot and I'm looking forward to being part of the population downtown," McNicol said. "I think it's a good loop of retailers, with Damsels in Blue Jeans and For Women Only, For Men Only, and Jill Groenewegen is opening a store next door, where Sasha's used to be."
In her opinion, the variety of products will make it possible for local shoppers to find unique and interesting items without having to shop down south.
"Prices are comparable," she said, adding she only needs to add between $2 to $4 to make up shipping, which is often the charge for shipping for online purchases anyway.
The variety and dedication of these store owners, who McNicol said have all been generous with advice, hopefully mean a return to the glory days of bustling commerce in Yellowknife's downtown, she said.
For McNicol's own store, which she intends to open in April, she aims to extend the warmth and "whimsy" of her studio, but stresses the two locations will be distinct.
She said, like the studio, she wants the space to be visually and physically warm, through fabrics, textures and lighting. She compares the flow of the space to walking toward the hearth of a home.
McNicol said she intends to commission the work of local artists to do work for the space.
"When I started to design the studio I really saw it as a work of art. The community helped me create that," McNicol said. "Now I'm ready to create another beautiful place."
The as-yet-unnamed store will carry clothing for women, some apparel for men, yoga-related products, and an "eclectic" selection of other items.
The clothing will be soft and stretchy but not just for yoga, she said. A small selection of yoga products will remain in the retail section at Taiga Yoga, as well, she added.
