Poppies
PoppiesThe next time you are at the hospital, make sure you pop into Poppies, the cozy and eclectic gift shop located in the Atrium. Poppies opened in July of 2010 to coincide with the unveiling of the new Bluewater Health Hospital. "Two years of planning went into the creation of this unique store," says owner Susan Chamberlain. The store name was one of many suggested by a very creative friend. "I’ve always loved poppies, they are a beautiful flower and they make for very attractive branding." She enlisted a local designer to create the original, hand-drawn logo.
Chamberlain used a professional designer and her extensive retail experience to design the layout and the concept of the store. "I took an exploratory trip to the annual gift show a year before opening to start the process of forming a vision for Poppies." Chamberlain originally envisioned the store would offer more books than giftware, but that quickly changed. "One of the joys of being an independent business person is that you can adapt to the market quickly." The store offers confections, newspapers and magazines, along with purses, giftware, clothing, jewelry, gifts for new babies and a selection of books. "I love building stores that people enjoy."
"The store is a bit of a getaway for staff, visitors and patients, when they need a little break," says Marg Lacey, store manager. Lacey started working at The Book Keeper in 2009 and moved over to Poppies three years ago. "We have a great staff here. Each of us have different tastes, and we bring our thoughts and ideas to the table to help shape the store." Lacey loves being with people, which is a big part of being a successful retailer. "We have a lot of regular customers and I enjoy getting to know them." Lacey also attends the gift show, and she enjoys that aspect of her job. "Marg loves to shop for the shop as much as I do, we make a great team!" exclaims Chamberlain, with a smile.
Poppies isn’t your typical hospital gift shop. "It's fun to think that you can purchase a sweater or purse while you are at the hospital," says Chamberlain. Clothing was added a couple of years ago and it has been a huge hit. "We often have people pop in and ask when the new season's fashions will be in," says Lacey. "We always keep our eye out for interesting products. Sometimes we come across unique items when travelling and we often end up bringing them into the store." Flowers are offered in a limited quantity from local florist Flowers Plus. "We carry other items from local vendors such as lotions and soaps from Bean’Stock and adorable, crocheted baby hats and booties from Sticks & Strings." The staff are always working hard to keep the store fresh and interesting. "I definitely think we are the second-best reason to visit the hospital. Newborn babies are still first," says Chamberlain.
Related Stories
The Awesome Foundation
The Sarnia chapter of the Awesome Foundation was started in 2013. The idea was simple: the trustees come together once a month to hand out a $1000 grant to someone with an awesome idea. The first Awesome Foundation chapter was founded in Boston in 2009. John DeGroot learned about the movement the fol
Pathways Health Centre For Children
Long before 1950, Rotarians and the Sarnia community recognized the need for local therapy in Sarnia-Lambton for children with physical disabilities. That first year, the Rotary Club provided services to 18 children in church halls and basements. 68 years later, Pathways Health Centre for Children a
Express Employment Professionals
Bruce Hein entered the employment business in 2000 when he purchased Best Personnel. Since 2006 he has operated as part of Express Employment Professionals, the largest franchised staffing firm in North America. His mission is simple: to connect good workers with good jobs. The worst thing we can
Stonepicker Brewing Company Inc.
From bacon to beer. That pretty much sums up the career path Joe Donkers has taken. A pig farmer for nearly three decades, Joe did a 180 about five years ago when he made the decision to start brewing his own beer at home. That ultimately led to him and his wife Mary starting Stonepicker Brewing Co.
Related Stories
Hashtag Local
The last thing in the world Cathy McRae wants or needs is a pat on the back. That's because when your many random acts of kindness and helpfulness come as naturally as they do to Cathy, no thanks is necessary. I always want to share and help with those who could use a little bit of extra help,
Donovan Woods
Canadian singer-songwriter Donovan Woods was born and raised in Sarnia. He now lives in Toronto and spends a fair amount of time in Nashville, writing for some of the industry's biggest acts. I started playing guitar and writing songs as a teenager. I didn't really play gigs in Sarnia. I star
Express Employment Professionals
Bruce Hein entered the employment business in 2000 when he purchased Best Personnel. Since 2006 he has operated as part of Express Employment Professionals, the largest franchised staffing firm in North America. His mission is simple: to connect good workers with good jobs. The worst thing we can
Refined Fool Brewing Co
Refined Fool started out as most good things do, in the company of friends. A group of teachers, blue collar workers, entrepreneurs, musicians and pastors began brewing beer in their own houses in midwinter with propane burners and frozen hoses. They opened their doors in May of 2014 in a 600-square
