Success Story: Cranberry Collectables

                                For those unique gift ideas, shop Cranberry Collectables.

Many customers feel transported to famed Whyte Avenue’s extraordinary shopping experience when they enter "Cranberry Collectables", one of Two Hills, Alberta’s unequaled stores that opened June 13, 1997. This business is open 5 days a week (closed Sundays and Mondays).

The aromatherapy products create a marvelous ambiance to browse in. There is an incredible selection of unique giftware such as imported art, (some coming from Africa and Ecuador), beautiful crafted paraffin candles, pine furniture.  There’s an excellent selection of books. Antiques and collectibles can be seen throughout the shop, some dating back to the 1880’s.

Who has complimented Two Hills' Main Street, with not only a matchless business but also a terrific tourist attraction to the community?  Meet Sue Comely. Sue and her friend Tammy Hope sat around one evening, enjoying a pleasant bottle of wine, dreaming the entrepreneurial dream, debating the needs of the community and surrounding area. “Where can we go to get a special birthday, anniversary or wedding gift?” they asked each other. That night they made a list of items they felt were needed in the area. They market researched their ideas by asking friends and acquaintances about their gift needs only to discover there was a customer base for their retail concept. 

Sue and Tammy needed the funds to launch their venture. They contacted the Lamont-Two Hills Business Development Corporation (BDC). After a counseling session, a business plan was put into place and the main street location began to take shape. Although Tammy left the business early to raise a family she was part of the early events.  “The BDC was wonderful with assistance and resource information,” the businesswomen said. 

Cranberry Collectables can’t keep up with the requests for hemp products. Hemp is environmental friendly and clients who have used the soap claiming it heals acne and dry cracked skin. The shampoos are always in demand and the young families, because of the omega fatty acids, seek the oil, and the older generation says you can’t beat the flavor of the oil.  It was amazing to learn that some of the clothing displayed in the shop is made of hemp.  Apparently it wears like ‘iron’. Sue said, “the first Levies jeans were made of hemp, and the U.S. Declaration of Independence was written on hemp."

Did you know:  One acre of hemp grown annually replaces 4 acres of forest for the same amount? 

Today the business is in the process of outgrowing its present location, giving Sue Comely another reason to sit down with a glass of wine and contemplate the future.  By the way, it did take more than one bottle of wine to come up with the name of their business, Cranberry Collectables!

Thank you Sue Comely for submitting this article.

NEXT SUCCESS STORY
BACK TO SUCCESS STORIES