Local business and consumer news. Openings, closings, deals, sales, what to buy and where to buy it, we round it all up and give you an insider's shopper's special on small business in Halifax. Contact shoptalk@thecoast.ca to send a tip.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Closings Citadel Hotel closes
Goodbye to economical local rock house
Posted by Carsten Knox on Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 4:27 PM
In recent years it was where the Halifax Pop Explosion ran its nerve centre and where musicians from out of town would stay. But the Citadel Hotel, (1960 Brunswick Street) open since 1963, closed in January. Word is the site will be redeveloped with new hotels going up on the property in the near future.
Salon, Spas Be Massage Therapy celebrates seven years
Deals aplenty available this week
Posted by Carsten Knox on Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 2:03 PM
On February 9, Be. Massage Therapy (South Park YMCA, 1565 South Park Street, 422-4512) will be celebrating its 7th anniversary. Stop by for snacks and coffee during the day as well as complimentary, 10-minute seated chair massages, with all proceeds from the day going to The YMCA Strong Kids Program. Also, from February 5 – 11 the first 30 non-members of the YMCA who come in for a massage will receive a free one-week membership to try out the YMCA facilities. Be. Massage has six therapists and Is open seven days a week, offering student, senior, and YMCA member discounts.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Home Style London Loft opens February 3
Roberta Munden's UK-themed furniture store arrives at Historic Properties
Posted by Carsten Knox on Thu, Jan 26, 2012 at 4:00 AM
Haligonian Roberta Munden had been away from home for 23 years and working in the furniture market in Toronto for the past decade. "I was looking for a way to come back" to Atlantic Canada, she says. A visit to Upcountry in Toronto introduced her to "The Halo Collection," furniture from designer Timothy Oulton, who only offers his brand to a few, choice retailers worldwide. Now Munden is in the position to be able to bring Oulton's designs to Halifax, available exclusively in Atlantic Canada from her new store, London Loft(Historic Properties, 1869 Upper Water Street, 404-3844), along with select other brands.
London Loft's concept of high-quality furniture and home accessories from the UK has a more masculine accent than some collections, says Munden. "It's geared toward men, to deco your man-cave," she says. There's plenty of handmade furniture utilizing vintage leather, dining tables using wood for 120-year-old ships, a collection of items incorporating metal from old planes, steamer trunks, even sporting goods such as punching bags, all with a Britannia twist.
"With the London Olympics, the Queen's Jubilee, I think people will get the idea," says Munden, of her timely store. And don't expect items to linger long. Every three months Munden will receive a new container of goods to keep the inventory fresh.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Fashion Orphanage joins Indie Boutik Collective
One more excellent local brand now with a storefront
Posted by Carsten Knox on Wed, Jan 25, 2012 at 11:09 AM
Kim Munsen's local label Orphanage Clothing (orphanage.com) will be joining the Indie Boutik Collective (1542B Queen Street, above Sweet Pea, 431-7771) as of February 1. IBC is a group of local and Canadian designers sharing a shop, including Katherine Munroe's Dakini Silks & Things, Laura Chenoweth Organic Apparel, Anna Gilkerson's MakeNew Vintage, Blue Ladybug Design and Jere Brooks.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Atlantica creates Dream Suite
Luxury room to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House
Posted by Carsten Knox on Fri, Jan 20, 2012 at 3:12 PM
Atlantica Hotel Halifax (1980 Robie Street, 490-3339) is, for the next six months, offering the Atlantica Dream Suite, a specially designed luxury room where 50 percent off the nightly room revenue will be donated to Ronald McDonald House. RMH is dedicated to helping seriously ill or disabled children, providing them and their families a residence while the child gets treatment in Halifax.
The room was designed by Robert Goldsworthy, and is described as "an exceptional accommodation experience including a night’s sleep on a legendary VI-Spring bed along with all the wonderful amenities offered throughout the hotel."
The price for the room changes depending on the season, but for a night it can be yours for between $250 and $295.
Neighbourhood Shopping More Silicon Hali
Other local digital wizards
Posted by Carsten Knox on Fri, Jan 20, 2012 at 4:00 AM
A couple of weeks ago The Coast ran a story called Silicon Hali, offering profiles od a number of the digital software designers here in Nova Scotia. Of course, there were plenty of others that we might have mentioned given a little more space.
Who else is out there? Well, consider TeamSpace (teamspace.ca), a Bedford-based software solutions company specializing in Lotus Notes and Domino development. Or how about Medusa Medical (medusamedical.com), a company creating software for the healthcare industry, including the Siren ePCR Suite for paramedics, which helps them track a patient's condition and shares data with hospitals.
Or what about the people who brought us Swearport, an app that gives the user the ability to curse in more than 50 languages. The guys behind this innovative product are Mark Dennis and Lee Gancman, recent Dalhousie University graduates in Computer Science and Political Science, respectively.
The app was "recorded almost entirely in Canada from native
speakers," explains Gancman. "In that sense this application, or at least the process of its creation, and the continuing efforts to add new languages, is a testament to Canadian multiculturalism."
Though they split their time between Ottawa and Toronto with their company DGML, Dennis and Gancman find themselves back in Halifax regularly. The Swearport---for more info go to swearport.com---was banned from the Apple iTunes store for "offensive content," but before that, it was number one on the Canadian entertainment chart for almost a month, selling more than 1,000 copies a day. "Since that time, however, we have moved to Android phones where we are trying to get exposure," Gancman says.
If you have an Android phone, click here for Swearport. It'll set you back $1.
And we must mention Twisted Oak Studios (twistedoakgames.com). They're a local company and a creator of 3D game apps including Zombie Wonderland and Reign of Steel, and are the hosts of Halifax Game Jam (halifaxgamejam.com), an annual event where the public is invited to learn how to make a game from scratch over the course of a weekend. This year's Game Jam takes place at The Hub (1673 Barrington Street, 2nd floor), March 2-4. More information on that closer to the date.
If you feel there are other app developers or webmasters in Nova Scotia deserving of attention, don't hesitate to comment on this story or get in touch.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Neighbourhood Shopping A Message from Trinity Jewellers
Putting and end to moving rumours
Posted by Carsten Knox on Thu, Jan 19, 2012 at 12:43 PM
Shoptalk received this message today from Trinity Jewellers (6226 Quinpool Road, 431-7900):
"We are writing to advise Shoptalk that despite ongoing rumours, Trinity Jewellers is not opening another shop in the new Trillium Building on South Park Street. We are happy with our Quinpool Rd. store location."
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Speed skates at The Trail Shop
There's something for everyone from the novice to the competitive athlete.
Posted by Tim Bousquet on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 4:00 AM
The Oval is a raging success, but the vast majority of people are coming out in hockey skates. Others, however, are taking advantage of the long ice to learn how to speed skate, and now The Trail Shop (6210 Quinpool Road, 423-8736) is offering a range of speed skates for sale.
For the youngsters, there are these raps brand skates, with an adjustable boot that can grow through four European sizes with the child, perhaps through two seasons. At $190, this skate is an excellent buy.
A good entry level recreational skate for adults is this Zandstra brand skate, for $339. It comes with a "comfort clap"---that is, beginning speed skates can use it in a fixed-blade setting, and as their skating improves, can switch to the clap setting---with modern competitive speed skates, the blade is hinged at the front of the skate, so the blade disconnects from the boot as the skater pushes her foot out, allowing the entire blade to stay on the ice surface throughout the push; when she lifts her skate again, the blade "claps" back into the original position.
And then for the serious competitive speed skater comes this Maple brand skate with a carbon fiber LT Blizzard blade for $760. This is a really great price for such a good skate---I've seen other competitive skates at well over $1,000.
For the youngsters, there are these raps brand skates, with an adjustable boot that can grow through four European sizes with the child, perhaps through two seasons. At $190, this skate is an excellent buy.
A good entry level recreational skate for adults is this Zandstra brand skate, for $339. It comes with a "comfort clap"---that is, beginning speed skates can use it in a fixed-blade setting, and as their skating improves, can switch to the clap setting---with modern competitive speed skates, the blade is hinged at the front of the skate, so the blade disconnects from the boot as the skater pushes her foot out, allowing the entire blade to stay on the ice surface throughout the push; when she lifts her skate again, the blade "claps" back into the original position.
And then for the serious competitive speed skater comes this Maple brand skate with a carbon fiber LT Blizzard blade for $760. This is a really great price for such a good skate---I've seen other competitive skates at well over $1,000.
The Trail Shop has other options for skaters---the best blade in stock is the Blade Comet Laser, which by itself (no boot) is $829, or folks can buy the Nordic Skate blade for $95, which can be fitted to ski boots. "You can cross country ski out to a pond, and switch from your skis to a ice blade," explains John Annett, the shop's hard goods buyer.
There are also accessories, including helmets, and Annett is learning how to sharpen blades, a service which will be offered at the shop when he perfects it.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Fashion Echo Designs adds flash to Scotia Square
Local jewellery for downtown denizens
Posted by Carsten Knox on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 4:00 AM
Designed by Pat Mackin, a geologist turned jeweller, Echo Designs Jewellery (in Scotia Square near the fountain, 488-8458, open 9:30am-5:30pm, Thursday and Friday) creates affordable, artsy, handcrafted fashion jewellery for women. You'll find signature designs with a distinctive Nova Scotia feel. Echo offers gems and local natural stones, Swarovski crystal, glass, wood, shell, ceramic, acrylic, clay and resin beads combined with nickel-free wire and metals or sterling silver. And there are lots of beads on hand so you can even design your own right at the kiosk. You'll also find Echo Designs at craft fairs and Nova Scotia farmers markets, or online at echodesigns.ca.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Closings D-Tox closing sale
End of lease, everything half-off
Posted by Carsten Knox on Thu, Jan 12, 2012 at 3:04 PM
Our intrepid Shoptalk reporters in the field inform us that D-Tox, the urban and skate-fashion outlet at Mic Mac Mall (21 Mic Mac Blvd., 463-5787) is closing on January 22. From now until then, you'll find 50 percent off good in the store.
Salon, Spas Be Well Spa introduces new weight-loss program
Spa calls it a "medical intervention to get the fat off fast"
Posted by Carsten Knox on Thu, Jan 12, 2012 at 4:00 AM
The Be Well Spa (2110 Robie Street,422-2767) is now offering something called the Ideal Protein program, for weight-loss management. "I have noticed in the past few years that an alarming number of my patients mainly have their health issues due to weight gain and I am very excited to have this tool to offer them." says co-owner Cheryl Lycette.
Ideal Protein promises to allow typical candidates to lose four to seven pounds a week. Lycette, an ND, conducts the initial consult. Perks of using this program include discounts on spa services.
For more info check out bewellspa.ca or give the spa a call.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Home Style Turnstile offers new classes
Pottery collective refreshes in 2012, with a new membership opportunity, too
Posted by Carsten Knox on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 2:14 PM
Two new adult classes are starting up this month at Turnstile Pottery Cooperative (2733 Agricola Street, 431-2529). Intro to Throwing, an introduction to wheel throwing, trimming, glazing, and other basic pottery practices, runs from January 25 to February 22, Wednesday evenings 7pm - 9pm,
3-5 students per class, $200 (tax included). Hand Built Ceramics is a class open to students of all levels, exploring various hand building techniques such as coils, slabs, pinching, and press moulds, running from January 23 to February 20, Monday evenings 7pm - 9pm, 3-5 students per class, $200 (tax included).
Turnstile will also be looking for a new member. Membership involves open access to the studio and a time commitment to volunteer hours such as studio maintenance, advertising, hosting Drop-In and Sculpture Club, and attending monthly meetings. Applications are accepted at turnstile_potteryclasses@yahoo.com. The application form is available for download at http://www.turnstilepottery.com/coop.htm
Monday, January 9, 2012
Closings Back Pages to close
Michael Norris calls it a day after more than three decades in books
Posted by Carsten Knox on Mon, Jan 9, 2012 at 1:25 PM
Back Pages (1526 Queen Street, 423-4750), the stalwart used bookstore on Queen Street near Spring Garden Road, is closing. Owner Michael Norris says he has to vacate by the end of February as the building is being sold. As to the reasons for the closing of the business, he says they are manifold. "I could whine about and say it's this and that," he says. "But I'm just happy I got 32 good years." The closing sale is on now, with 50 percent off everything in the store, a discount that will likely increase as time goes on. Though Norris has ceased selling books online, he has plenty of inventory in the store, quality and rare books. "I'm still bringing down fresh material [from storage] every day," he says.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Salon, Spas Spa moves into permanent location
Summit returns to Spring Garden Road
Posted by Carsten Knox on Fri, Jan 6, 2012 at 3:39 PM
Summit Day Spa & Wellness Clinic (423-3888) has been in operation for more than 21 years. A couple year back, owner Susan Alward decided that being in Park Lane Mall just wasn't the right fit for it anymore. However, their chosen new location, the new office building at the corner of Birmingham and Spring Garden Road, was delayed getting completed. "We were originally supposed to move in August 1," explains an exasperated-sounding Alward. In the meantime, Summit temporarily set up shop in the former funeral home near the corner of Robie and Quinpool. "We love the space we've been in," she says, especially having free parking. But customers are used to Summit being on Spring Garden, and so it will be again, opening in the new building at civic address 5495 on January 18. It's actually a smaller space, which suits Alward just fine. "We want to do a stronger focus on the services we do well," she explains, meaning she'll be training fewer new people, instead utilizing her experienced staff for skin care, permanent hair removal, makeup and pedicures, as well as working on a new men's brochure. The brand-new, office-like building should appeal to men more, says Alward. "It's a more private, more boutique-y kind of environment."
UPDATE, January 11, 2:40pm
Summit will now open in its new location January 25.
Summit will now open in its new location January 25.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Openings Apple store coming to Halifax?
Rumours are flying of a local Mac headquarters in 2012
Posted by Carsten Knox on Wed, Jan 4, 2012 at 2:21 PM
It has been reported today that an honest-to-goodness Apple store is opening in the near future in the Halifax Shopping Centre. No, that doesn't mean a fresh food market (though that would be cool, too), it means the computer people from the Pacific Northwest are coming to town. More on this as we get it.
| ||||||
|
Guides
- Home |
- Dating |
- Bitch |
- News |
- Music |
- Movies |
- Dining |
- Arts |
- Opinion |
-
Best Of
| - Halifax Free Classifieds |
- Jobs |
- Housing |
- For Sale |
- Classes |
- Bulletin Board |
- Health, Beauty |
- Services |
- Real Estate |
- Wanted
- About Us |
- Our Staff |
- Contact Us |
- Advertise |
- Work With Us |
- Send us a Tip |
- Privacy Policy |
- Comments Policy |
-
RSS Feeds
|
- Archives