The closure of SalaThai earlier this year marked the end of an era in Vancouver’s culinary landscape.
For nearly 40 years, co-founders Sam and Joy Kongsilp shared their passion for authentic Thai cuisine. Now, the Kongsilp family is opening Jay Nok Modern Thai, a new restaurant that both honours SalaThai’s legacy and forges an entirely new path.
Located at 127 W 2nd Avenue in Olympic Village, Jay Nok is preparing to welcome guests in early 2025.
“Jay Nok represents everything we love about Thai culture—bold, authentic flavours, the joy of coming together, and the seamless blend of tradition and modernity,” said the owners. “Our menu is a love letter to the dishes that shaped us, reimagined with a fresh, modern twist. We’re thrilled to share this passion with Vancouver and invite the city to experience Thai street food in a way that feels both familiar and entirely new.”
Jay Nok’s opening will come just months after Sam and Joy were recognized as “Industry Pioneers” by the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame in October.
For Joy, the opening of Jay Nok is a deeply personal milestone. “Handing over the reins to the next generation is a proud moment for me,” said Joy. “SalaThai was built on a foundation of family, tradition, and love for Thai cuisine. Jay Nok reflects those same values but with a fresh, innovative vision. I couldn’t be happier to see the next generation bring our family’s legacy to life in a way that resonates with today’s diners.”
The company said the new restaurant will offer a vibrant take on Thai street food and beverages, bringing bold flavours of Bangkok’s bustling markets and the spirit of a communal dining experience to the heart of Vancouver. The menu is rooted in tradition yet embraces modernity, with dishes designed for sharing with friends and family in groups of any size.
Ensuring a seamless and welcoming experience for every guest
“At the helm of Jay Nok is an experienced team deeply rooted in Vancouver’s restaurant community. Executive Chef Bumpen “Jay Nok” Khangrang, whose culinary artistry was honed both in Thailand and through her tenure at SalaThai, leads the kitchen. Her talent for bold flavours and intricate presentation has earned her recognition from the Royal Thai Consulate in Vancouver and accolades throughout her career. General Manager Bobby Kongsilp and Project Manager Margarita Virata Santos bring decades of expertise to the front-of-house, ensuring a seamless and welcoming experience for every guest,” said the company in a news release.
“The restaurant space seamlessly transforms with the time of day. At lunchtime, guests will feel transported to Bangkok’s lively streets, with a bright, fast-casual atmosphere. By night, the restaurant becomes a glowing social haven, blending warm Thai charm with eclectic street-inspired decor, curated beats, and a lively cocktail lounge. With its blend of traditional Thai hospitality and a contemporary, urban edge, Jay Nok will offer a sensory feast and memorable dining experience for all occasions.”
With holiday spending in full swing, the shopping frenzy can feel inescapable. But a growing trend is encouraging consumers to step back and rethink their approach. Sarah Stockdale, founder and CEO of Growclass, calls it “slow shopping,” a concept centred on deliberate, intentional purchasing decisions.
“Slow shopping is about removing yourself from the manufactured urgency that marketers often create,” Stockdale explained in a recent interview. “It’s about focusing on what you genuinely want and need, and investing time and research into purchases that will last, rather than succumbing to the frenzy of sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.”
Stockdale emphasized how pervasive marketing tactics can pressure consumers into feeling a false sense of urgency. “Many of these discounts are inflated,” she pointed out. “Amazon sellers, for instance, may raise prices in anticipation of a sale, so you think you’re getting a great deal when you’re not.” Tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel can help shoppers verify whether a discount is truly worthwhile, she added.
Resisting the Frenzy
For consumers looking to slow down, Stockdale advises simplifying their digital environment. “Unsubscribe from email lists that encourage impulsive buying,” she said. “It’s a small step that helps reduce exposure to urgency-driven marketing.”
She also highlighted the importance of aligning purchases with personal values. “Small businesses need your support. Ask yourself: is the way you’re shopping aligned with your values? Are you buying things you’ll love and use for a long time, or are you chasing a quick dopamine hit?”
Caution on ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’
One popular trend, the rise of “buy now, pay later” services, also caught Stockdale’s attention. “We’re in a challenging economy, and these services, like Klarna, appeal to consumers by making purchases feel more accessible,” she noted. However, she cautioned against over-reliance. “If you can’t afford something now, it’s worth reconsidering. These schemes can impact your credit and financial stability.”
Building Trust in Retail
In today’s fast-paced retail landscape, trust plays a critical role. “With tools like Shopify and Klaviyo, anyone can launch an e-commerce store quickly,” Stockdale explained. “For brands, it’s crucial to build lasting relationships with customers by respecting their time and delivering real value.”
Holiday Spending Trends
Despite economic challenges, surveys indicate consumers are spending more this holiday season. Stockdale attributes this to societal values tied to spending. “We’re constantly told our worth is tied to how much we spend on our loved ones, especially during the holidays,” she said. “Breaking that narrative is difficult, but it’s essential to resist the capitalist machine that drives this mindset.”
About Growclass
In addition to her insights on consumer behaviour, Stockdale shared her work with Growclass, a six-week growth marketing course and community. “We’ve built a network of over 1,500 marketers globally, helping them develop skills to grow their careers and economic impact,” she explained. “We want people to feel empowered in their purchasing and professional decisions.”
For Stockdale, the message is clear: slow shopping isn’t just about saving money; it’s about fostering a more intentional and value-driven approach to consumption.
The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate to 3¼%, with the Bank Rate at 3½% and the deposit rate at 3¼%.
In a news release, the Bank said the Canadian economy grew by 1% in the third quarter, somewhat below the Bank’s October projection, and the fourth quarter also looks weaker than projected.
“Third-quarter GDP growth was pulled down by business investment, inventories and exports. In contrast, consumer spending and housing activity both picked up, suggesting lower interest rates are beginning to boost household spending,” it said.
“A number of policy measures have been announced that will affect the outlook for near-term growth and inflation in Canada. Reductions in targeted immigration levels suggest GDP growth next year will be below the Bank’s October forecast. The effects on inflation will likely be more muted, given that lower immigration dampens both demand and supply.
“Other federal and provincial policies—including a temporary suspension of the GST on some consumer products, one-time payments to individuals, and changes to mortgage rules—will affect the dynamics of demand and inflation. The Bank will look through effects that are temporary and focus on underlying trends to guide its policy decisions. In addition, the possibility the incoming US administration will impose new tariffs on Canadian exports to the United States has increased uncertainty and clouded the economic outlook.”
The Bank said inflation has been about 2% since the summer, and is expected to average close to the 2% target over the next couple of years.
“Since October, the upward pressure on inflation from shelter and the downward pressure from goods prices have both moderated as expected. Looking ahead, the GST holiday will temporarily lower inflation but that will be unwound once the GST break ends. Measures of core inflation will help us assess the trend in CPI (Consumer Price Index) inflation.”
“Slowing wage growth and unemployment at a seven-year high—excluding the pandemic—signal that the economy needs support,” said Brassard. “The decision to cut rates now will provide relief ahead of potential tariff turbulence under Trump’s administration.”
“While the expected rate cut will ease debt repayment burdens for mortgage holders in particular, it won’t reverse price hikes,” added Li Zhang, CPA Canada’s financial literacy leader. “As the holiday season approaches, Canadians should create budgets and stick to them, resisting the urge to overspend regardless of interest rate cuts.”
Phil Soper, President and CEO of Royal LePage, said: “Starting in late spring 2024, we have seen the Bank of Canada continue to lower the cost of borrowing, a process that has prompted homebuyer demand to steadily rise, with a sharp uptick in activity following their first 50-point cut in October. This latest significant rate cut will help to sustain activity throughout the winter months, typically the slowest period for real estate transactions in Canada.
“Buyers have woken up to the reality that property prices are rising again, and more will feel an urgency to act before affordability erodes. As a result, we are anticipating a ‘pull-ahead’ of activity and an early start to the traditional spring housing market. Adding to this momentum is the change in lending policies that come into effect on December 15th, which we believe will coax more sidelined purchasers to take advantage of their expanded borrowing power.”
Photo: Retail Council of Canada
Peter Norman, Vice President at Altus Group, said: “I think one of the most important factors since the last rate adjustment is the fact that GDP numbers for the third quarter were surprisingly weak, which tipped the scales in favour of more – and faster – cuts. Yes, the CPI number crept up in October, but not to a worrisome level, so a smaller cut still seemed unlikely heading into this announcement.
“The US is our biggest trading partner, so while we don’t really know yet if trade tariffs will materialize next year, increased trade tensions can affect business investment decisions and investment confidence. These are things the Bank of Canada will do their best to head off and, once again, this points to more easing on the Canadian side.
“The Bank of Canada is a very blunt instrument – the impact of their decisions typically play out slowly over time, so today’s decision may not make an immediate difference to January employment, but will contribute toward a stronger 2025. However, capital flows respond more quickly to relative interest rates and, when that happens, business confidence is just a step behind.
“I expect the bank rate to settle at around 2.5%, which should lay the groundwork for a long-awaited uptick in transactions and development activity.
Ray Wong, Vice President at Altus Group, said: “Even with another decrease, it will take time for companies to get settled again, and not only feel more confident in the market – but start executing in a way that reflects that confidence. Canada is facing a significant challenge on the employment side, and I think that will take some time for the labour market – and the economy at large – to reflect the positive impact of the rate-cutting cycle.
“The Bank of Canada will continue to cut into 2025, but I think the rate at which they do so will ultimately depend on the Federal Reserve. The bid-ask gap is slowly closing, and I think we’re going to see steady increases in activity next year, as a reflection of this year’s rate decisions. Some owners and investors may try to get into the market a little earlier than their competitors, in which case they may come to the table with a slightly higher price to meet the bid-ask gap to secure certain properties. Of course, core assets will always get attention – but ultimately, I think we are looking at a slow and measured start to 2025.”
The Indigenous-owned aaniin pop-up retail store at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre has achieved an extraordinary milestone, exceeding its one-month sales goal in less than 10 days, generating four times its projected revenue within two weeks.
This groundbreaking achievement highlights the growing demand for Indigenous-owned brands and the impact of aaniin’s innovative retail concept.
Chelsee Pettit
“The success of aaniin isn’t just about meeting sales goals – it’s about showing the world the power of Indigenous entrepreneurship,” said Chelsee Pettit, founder of aaniin, an Anishinaabe entrepreneur from Aamjiwnaag First Nation. “This store is all about celebrating Indigenous creativity, and we’ve made supporting our community easier than ever in a way that’s powerful, accessible and inclusive.”
Since its launch on November 29, the aaniin pop-up has transformed retail at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre. “Aaniin,” meaning “hello” in Ojibwe, is more than a pop-up shop—it’s a movement to promote and expand Indigenous commerce, said the retailer in a news release.
“Spanning 6,500 square feet, this retail space features over 40 Indigenous-owned brands, including aaniin’s in-house streetwear brand, as well as apparel, jewelry, beauty, home goods, artwork, books, and more. This exciting addition to the Downtown Tkaronto (the Mohawk word for Toronto meaning “the place in the water where the trees are standing”) mall invites everyone to embrace Indigenous entrepreneurship and creativity in an entirely new way,” it said.
“In addition to aaniin’s in-house products, the pop-up showcases 45 other Indigenous-owned brands that are thriving this holiday season, benefiting from the visibility and sales momentum aaniin has created. From established names like Cheekbone Beauty and Lesley Hampton to emerging brands like Future Kokum, these businesses are enjoying one of their most profitable seasons yet. The initiative is empowering small brands to succeed in a retail environment that often prioritizes large-scale enterprises, creating opportunities for economic growth and broader recognition of Indigenous talent.”
aaniin is inviting shoppers to a special book signing and reading event on Saturday December 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature Cree Nomad, the Métis-Cree, Two-Spirit author and climate activist, whose debut novel, Hey, June, has become a sensation since its release earlier this year. Attendees can bring their copy of the book or purchase one in-store to have it signed by the author, enjoy a reading from Hey, June, and sip tea while connecting with the community in a welcoming space.
Also, shoppers can enjoy mini makeover sessions with Cheekbone Beauty from December 12 to 14. The pop-up will remain open through December 31.
With the rise of cannabis use for health and wellness, one company is stepping in to provide much-needed professional guidance. Apothecare, a pharmacist-led cannabis consultation service, is bridging the gap for Canadians seeking safe and informed cannabis use alongside conventional medicine.
Anushya Vijayaraghevan
“We saw a gap in care when cannabis was legalized in 2018,” said Anushya Vijayaraghevan, lead pharmacist and co-founder of Apothecare. “Consumers were walking into retail cannabis stores for health reasons but couldn’t access professional advice, as budtenders aren’t legally allowed to provide medical guidance. That’s where Apothecare steps in.”
Apothecare offers personalized, evidence-based consultations through its virtual platform. Using the Jane app, the company provides services across Ontario and is actively expanding nationwide. The consultations, conducted via phone or video, help clients navigate cannabis use safely, considering drug interactions, contraindications, and overall health goals.
Filling a Critical Need for Older Adults and Veterans
Vijayaraghevan shared insights into the demographics of Apothecare’s clients. “The average age of our patients is 61,” she explained. “Many are on four or more prescription medications, underscoring the need for professional oversight. Older adults are becoming more open to cannabis as the stigma fades, but they need proper guidance to avoid harmful interactions.”
Veterans, in particular, have emerged as a key focus for Apothecare. “Canada is home to nearly half a million veterans, 40% of whom are over 65,” Vijayaraghevan said. “Forty-five percent of veterans treated for mental health conditions turn to cannabis, often after leaving military service. Unfortunately, many rely on trial and error to find products because there’s limited access to knowledgeable healthcare professionals.”
To address this, Apothecare recently launched free wellness consultations tailored to veterans. “We want to make it accessible for them,” she emphasized. “Many family doctors aren’t educated in cannabis use and avoid discussing it, leaving veterans without guidance. Our services are here to support them with evidence-based care.”
Retail Partnerships Driving Growth
While Apothecare operates virtually, it maintains strong partnerships with retail cannabis stores. “We collaborate with retailers who refer customers needing health and wellness guidance,” said Vijayaraghevan. “Currently, we’re focused in Ontario . . . We’re also in talks with larger banners to expand our services further.”
These partnerships allow Apothecare to integrate its services seamlessly into the retail experience, ensuring that consumers have access to professional advice alongside their purchases.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Apothecare aims to continue expanding its reach while advocating for greater education and resources in the healthcare space. “Cannabis can be an effective tool for health and wellness, but it must be used responsibly,” said Vijayaraghevan. “Our goal is to empower Canadians with the knowledge and guidance they need to make informed decisions.”
With its unique pharmacist-led model, Apothecare is setting a new standard for cannabis care, ensuring that consumers—especially vulnerable populations like older adults and veterans—have access to safe, evidence-based support.
Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past 24 hours.
New data released by Moneris, Canada’s leading commerce provider, reveals some good news for Canadian retailers from the recent Black Friday/Cyber Monday period.
While holiday sales are extending over a longer period, the allure of the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend remains strong, capturing significant consumer spending.
Week over week Black Friday sales were up 29% nationally while Cyber Monday sales rose by 13%.
Year-over-year, sales for Black Friday rose by 11% and increased by 10% for Cyber Monday.
Despite speculation that consumers might delay purchases for the GST tax break, Moneris’ data indicates otherwise. Strong sales could mean good things for businesses as we move into December, where some of the busiest shopping days occur as consumers make last-minute purchases and the GST break is set to come into effect.
Peter Goldsztajn
Peter Goldsztajn, Vice President, Corporate Data Analytics at Moneris: said “Heading into the holidays, data for September showed transaction volume was down year-over-year at –3 per cent, putting the pressure on Black Friday and Cyber Monday to show positive results for businesses. Based on Moneris’ data for Black Friday, transaction volume was up over +10 per cent year-over-year, driven by growth in transaction size.”
“Economic factors like elevated inflation have been top-of-mind throughout the year, leading consumers to be increasingly cost conscious. As a result, bigger basket sizes suggest shoppers took greater advantage of sales.
“While it isn’t the main event, Cyber Monday still showed strong results. Year-over-year, transaction volume was up +10 per cent, driven entirely by an increase in the number of transactions.
“With Cyber Monday rounding out the weekend of sales, higher transaction counts might be associated with consumers shopping around for items they may have missed on Black Friday, squeezing in purchases before any special sales end.
“There has been some concern that consumers would defer purchases due to the upcoming GST/HST tax break. However, significant increases for Black Friday and Cyber Monday suggest that was not the case, with holiday sales being too good an opportunity to miss.
“While businesses can feel reassured that consumers generally did not defer purchases, it will be interesting to see if spend increases once the break comes into effect. Ultimately, we will need to wait until all the data is available to get a proper understanding of the tax holiday’s impact on spending.
“As a reminder, protecting your business is just as important as growing it. It’s never a bad time to review best practices with employees so you can make the most of the holidays. Often just a few small changes to your business can have a meaningful impact.
“Keeping an eye on your terminals and using password protections can help prevent against as well as minimize losses from terminal theft. Clearly displaying return policies and contact information keeps customers informed and can minimize chargeback losses. For online transactions, using a solution like 3D Secure 2.0 shifts chargeback liability to the card issuer, further protecting your business. If you suspect fraud, call your payments processor, we’re here to help.”
Regional year-over-year trends for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Event
Region
Total Spend
Transaction Count
Transaction Size
Black Friday
Alberta
19%
5%
13%
Atlantic Canada
18%
0%
18%
British Columbia
19%
0%
19%
Manitoba
13%
9%
4%
Ontario
2%
1%
1%
Quebec
14%
13%
1%
Saskatchewan
25%
8%
16%
Territories
-5%
2%
-7%
Canada
+11%
+4%
+7%
Cyber Monday
Alberta
17%
11%
5%
Atlantic Canada
20%
19%
1%
British Columbia
10%
8%
2%
Manitoba
2%
13%
-9%
Ontario
3%
4%
-2%
Quebec
18%
20%
-1%
Saskatchewan
2%
13%
-9%
Territories
12%
2%
9%
Canada
+10%
+10%
0%
About the data: Year-over-year data compares Black Friday 2024 against Black Friday 2023, and Cyber Monday 2024 against Cyber Monday 2023. Moneris reports measure spending in Canada across a range of categories by analyzing transaction data. The figures cited are derived from aggregated transaction data being processed by Moneris in the applicable categories.
Regional week-over-week trends for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Event
Region
Total Spend
Transaction Count
Transaction Size
Black Friday
Alberta
+23%
+11%
+11%
Atlantic Canada
+35%
+14%
+19%
British Columbia
+34%
+13%
+19%
Manitoba
+32%
+16%
+14%
Ontario
+28%
+17%
+9%
Quebec
+32%
+21%
+9%
Saskatchewan
+21%
+3%
+18%
Territories
-3%
-1%
-2%
Canada
+29%
+16%
+12%
Cyber Monday
Alberta
+8%
+8%
+0%
Atlantic Canada
+12%
+10%
+2%
British Columbia
+12%
+8%
+4%
Manitoba
+10%
+10%
+0%
Ontario
+15%
+10%
+4%
Quebec
+12%
+9%
+3%
Saskatchewan
+8%
+9%
-1%
Territories
+6%
+0%
+6%
Canada
+13%
+9%
+3%
About the data:Week-over-week data compares Black Friday 2024 against Friday the week prior. Week-over-week data compares Cyber Monday 2024 against Monday the week prior. Moneris reports measure spending in Canada across a range of categories by analyzing transaction data. The figures cited are derived from aggregated transaction data being processed by Moneris in the applicable categories.
Rocky Mountain Soap Co. at SouthCentre Mall in Calgary. Image supplied
Rocky Mountain Soap Co., known for its commitment to 100% natural ingredients and handcrafted products, has opened its latest store at SouthCentre Mall in Calgary. The new location reflects an evolved vision for the brand with fresh aesthetics, a redefined identity simply as Rocky, and a deeper focus on natural beauty beyond soap.
“This is the first store to officially feature our ‘Rocky’ branding,” said Karina Birch, CEO of Rocky Mountain Soap Co. “While we’ve been using the ‘Rocky’ logo on packaging and marketing materials for about five years, this store marks the beginning of our full brand pivot, which has been in the works for quite some time.”
Karina Birch
Birch explained that the decision stems from the company’s growth into new product categories. “Soap remains one of our top sellers, but our face cream is actually our number one product, both in units and sales. Over time, the brand has evolved to include more skincare and natural beauty solutions,” she added.
A Fresh Look Rooted in Nature
The SouthCentre store boasts a striking new design anchored in Rocky Mountain Soap Co.’s philosophy of connecting with nature. The store exterior features a deep, earthy green, which Birch describes as evoking the sensation of “walking into a forest.”
“We really leaned into the connection with nature,” she said. “The green is very grounding, and when paired with lush plants and organic textures, it creates a space that feels both natural and calming.”
Inside, Rocky’s signature sink takes center stage. Designed as a community hub, the oversized, multi-faucet sink invites customers to experience the products hands-on.
“It’s our version of a changing room in fashion,” Birch explained. “Customers can try our products in new and unexpected ways. The sink experience allows us to demonstrate the versatility of a few everyday essentials—something our brand is really about.”
This interactive, experiential approach reflects Rocky’s belief in simplicity: offering fewer products but with multiple uses to meet modern skincare needs.
Inside Rocky Mountain Soap Co. at SouthCentre Mall in Calgary. Image supplied
Honouring Heritage, Embracing Innovation
While the rebrand looks forward, it also nods to Rocky’s 25-year history. The store features an “apothecary display,” typically positioned behind the cash desk, which pays homage to Rocky Mountain Soap Co.’s roots in natural R&D and product formulation.
Birch takes pride in the brand’s long-standing expertise. “It’s rare for a beauty company to handle all their own R&D and manufacturing today,” she said. “We’ve been formulating in-house since day one, and this new store highlights that legacy.”
With their headquarters in Canmore, Alberta, Rocky Mountain Soap Co. continues to produce all of its products in-house. “Having our lab and workshop in the same building allows our team to collaborate closely,” Birch said. “If something isn’t working, we’re only 21 stairs away from finding a solution.”
Inside Rocky Mountain Soap Co. at SouthCentre Mall in Calgary. Image supplied
Expanding the Rocky Footprint
The SouthCentre opening is just the beginning. Birch confirmed that Rocky is rolling out the rebrand across its retail network, starting with renovations and new stores.
“We’re opening two additional locations this month: a newly renovated store at CF Polo Park in Winnipeg and a brand-new location at Midtown Plaza in Saskatoon,” she said. “By next summer, we’ll open two more stores in Ontario at CF Sherway Gardens and Upper Canada Mall, bringing our total to 15 locations.”
Ontario holds particular significance for Rocky’s growth strategy. Before the pandemic, the brand tested temporary stores in Toronto, including Yorkdale, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, and the PATH network.
“We learned a lot about the Ontario customer and how their expectations differ,” Birch said. “It’s a very diverse and dynamic market, and we’re excited to bring Rocky back to Toronto with the new branding and everything we’ve learned.”
However, expansion into major city centers like the Toronto Eaton Centre is not yet on the immediate horizon. “We’re focused on sustainable, strategic growth. That means high-quality store experiences in great locations,” Birch added.
Oberfeld Snowcap is representing Rocky Mountain Soap Co. in its expansion.
Inside Rocky Mountain Soap Co. at SouthCentre Mall in Calgary. Image supplied
E-Commerce and Future Plans
While brick-and-mortar remains a priority, Rocky Mountain Soap Co. is also refining its e-commerce strategy.
“E-commerce and physical retail feed into each other,” Birch explained. “Ontario is already our second-largest online market, so we know there’s demand. But we believe there’s still untapped potential in our online channel, and that’s a focus for us moving forward.”
Approximately 20% of Rocky’s online sales currently come from the U.S., though Birch says the company is not actively pursuing that market yet. “For now, U.S. sales are about retention—serving customers who discover us here in Canada. Once we’ve achieved everything we want domestically, we’ll turn our attention there.”
Image: Rocky Mountain Soap Co.
Sustainability and Innovation
Sustainability remains central to Rocky Mountain Soap Co.’s ethos, with new product development driven by this commitment.
“Our focus is on simplifying routines and innovating with sustainability in mind,” Birch said. “We’re working toward zero waste and constantly looking for ways to reduce our environmental footprint—from ingredients to packaging and manufacturing.”
The brand’s Rocky Returnables program exemplifies this approach. Customers can return 1-litre bottles of liquid soap, shampoo, and conditioner to stores for cleaning, sanitization, and reuse—a process that diverts significant amounts of plastic from landfills.
“Quality doesn’t have to mean indestructible,” Birch said, referencing the beauty industry’s reliance on long-lasting plastic packaging. “We believe in intentional design and thoughtful choices—whether that’s using bio-plastics derived from sugarcane or eliminating unnecessary secondary packaging.”
A Quarter-Century of Craftsmanship
As Rocky Mountain Soap Co. prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in January, Birch reflects on the brand’s journey.
“When we bought the business in 2000, it had one employee and $86,000 in sales,” she said. “We were in our early twenties and running mostly on blind optimism.”
Today, Rocky produces over 350 products, all made by hand in Canmore. “We’re proud to have stayed true to our roots while evolving into something bigger,” Birch said. “The mountains inspire everything we do. They remind us to stay connected to nature and keep our products simple, fresh, and effective.”
What’s Next for Rocky?
With its SouthCentre store setting the tone, Rocky Mountain Soap Co. is well-positioned for its next chapter. The brand’s emphasis on connection—to nature, to community, and to its heritage—continues to resonate with customers seeking natural beauty solutions.
“We’re optimistic about the timing,” Birch said. “It feels like a great opportunity to bring something new and exciting to Canadian retail.”
And as Rocky expands across Canada, Birch remains focused on the bigger picture. “For us, it’s always been about everyday essentials that connect people to nature. That’s what Rocky stands for.”
Inside Rocky Mountain Soap Co. at SouthCentre Mall in Calgary. Image suppliedInside Rocky Mountain Soap Co. at SouthCentre Mall in Calgary. Image supplied
Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past 24 hours.
Brightfield, Toronto’s handcrafted, non-toxic fragrance candle brand, is now available at Summerhill Market as it expands its presence in the retail marketplace.
Known for its clean, functional fragrances and elevated design, Brightfield is a complementary addition to Summerhill Market’s curated selection of premium goods.
Brightfield’s candles are thoughtfully crafted to transform everyday moments. Each candle is made in small batches in Toronto’s Beaches neighborhood, featuring vegan, carcinogen-free, and cruelty-free formulas.
“I used to be a director of HR in a tech company. And had won awards for Canada’s top employer five years in a row and had grown a company from 15 to 300 employees. So it was really focused on making it an amazing place to work,” she said.
“But I also had a dream of helping people just spark joy in their every day. And I wanted to create products that were clean, non-toxic, but just also really beautiful, something that would make them happy. One day on my morning commute, I just asked myself, what would I do if I couldn’t fail? And it was this dream that had been in the back of my head.
“I just started working towards that, eventually quit my job and started working on it full time.”
Brightfiled started online and doing a few pop up markets.
“I did the One of a Kind show ( in Toronto) and had won best booth at the One of a Kind show last year.”
Gjiri said she’s excited about being in the Summerhill Market.
Products at the Summerhill Market
“They are an amazing grocer. They have a really long history, I believe that they’ve been around for 70 years. They are kind of like an iconic grocery store, independent grocery store in Toronto. But they are growing where a lot of grocers are facing challenges. They are more of a higher end grocery store that’s been able to be really successful and grow actually. They’ve been doing a lot of expansion in the past few years. And they now have seven locations and they’re very well loved and people are very loyal to them. So we’re very excited to be there.”
She said she would love to have her own store in the future.
“I think maybe in the future I would love to have a studio and shop combination where it could really be like a destination for people to go,to take their families on the weekend, to get gifts. Maybe one day,” she said.
Gjiri said Second Harvest is Canada’s largest food rescue charity and for every candle sold Brightfield donates to Second Harvest. One candle equals three meals donated.
“We do this all year round. We’ve done it for the past year and a half. So they’re like a long term partner with us. We also volunteer as well when we can to help them sort food that then goes on to be donated. But they’re, um, our charity partner and we are very proud to support them, especially, you know, in the last year over one million more Canadians have had to use their their services now more than ever it’s needed the most so we’re very happy to donate to them from every candle sold.”
