One of FOLKLIFE's biggest covid hits was the closing of retailer’s doors. We are huge local shop lovers, and it is a tragedy to see these entrepreneurs, and those they represent, suffering. We were also so excited to work with local goods, art, and artisanal lovers and to have FOLKLIFE join the crew of fabulous items displayed. To see it on shelves along with other work? So exciting.
Of course with the advent of online, it hasn’t been the end of the world, but we were missing that face to face contact we were so looking forward to. Strangers delightfully finding it by running their fingers over pages, instead of….the glare of social media.
We thought we’d mostly put on hold contacting retailers, as they had enough to deal with. We mentioned it here and there, in case they wanted to get in touch with us when it made more sense, but something wonderful started happening. These shop owners around BC slowly started contacting US! Shop owners who had been highlighted on our list to contact ourselves. This filled us with such warmth. As with everything, distribution is new to us and going about it: an even more strange endeavour. So we can’t tell you how pleased we are to be stocked in stores so far. And of course, it is only the beginning!
Please check out these wonderful shops who are staying strong, and continuing to find ways to be open. Support local makers during a pandemic. We love you and are so excited to be working with you! You can find the ongoing list on our website: https://www.folklifemag.ca/find-folklife And let us know if you know of a store FOLKLIFE should be in! ❤
Cumberland: Jipsi Tree
Courtenay: Artifact Shop, Laughing Oyster Bookshop Salt Spring Island: Salt Spring Books, SALT.shop, Salt Spring Goods, Salt Spring Mercantile Gabriola Island: Nesters Market - Gabriola, Nature Spirit Earth Market, North Road Sports Nanaimo: Artzi Stuff Denman Island: Abraxas Books, Gifts and Earth Club Factory Mayne Island: Books On Mayne, Felix Jack Art Studio Galiano Island: Pilgrimme Restaurant
Duncan: Ten Old Books
Powell River: Ecossentials Victoria: SALT.shop
