Welcome to the cozy, boho-chic atmosphere that is Red Ribbon! As you will see from the photos this place is just filled with colour and texture and it makes me want to just walk around and touch everything. Tucked into a little corner of high street just below Starbucks at 12505 – 102 Ave, this shop is definitely worth a visit. Buy a scarf, or maybe some Toms shoes! And visit their website too! I met with the owner, Rychelle, and we had a great chat about her store and where we would like the local scene in Edmonton go.
What is Red Ribbon?
Red Ribbon is a clothing store for men and ladies. We also carry a large variety of accessories and are known for our selection of scarves.
What would you consider the most unique part of what customers experience when they visit you?
Our customer service, hands down. We have a very loyal customer base here that will come in and they won’t even have to look around because we get to know them so well that we can often pick out a selection that we think they would like.
How did your business come about? What’s your story?
I always knew I wanted to open a clothing store of my own, but my parents always thought it would be really difficult and didn’t think it would be a good idea. I was only 22 at the time so I can kind of see their point. Originally we found a space on 124 st that was available, because I always wanted to be in this area. The company that was currently there sold gift baskets and I bought all her product from her. So, for the first three years I was selling gift baskets and then slowly bringing in accessories and clothing. I realized at that time that it wasn’t really going in the direction I had wanted and this current space had become available. So I gave myself one year to make it work the way I wanted it to and as soon as I moved here and expanded into clothing it’s just started to grow and has been ever since.
How would you describe the general style of the store?
I think I would describe it as wearable. There are a lot of different things for different people here. We have three generations that will shop here at the same time and they can all find something. The style is a little bohemian and there are a lot of layering pieces, but when it comes down to accessories, handbags and jewelry there really is something for everyone. There’s also the men’s section so there’s something for the guys too. The store is kind of a representation of my personality. It’s kind of random because I’ll pick out a classic black sweater and pair it with a big bold print. I really like to mix and match.
How do you like High Street?
I LOVE High Street! I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. There are such loyal customers that shop in this area and such a unique blend of stores here. Everyone is really easy to get along with and there’s just a lot of charm here.
What’s your favourite product you’re selling this holiday season?
Free People is a brand we carry that I love. It’s very boho chic and is one of the most popular brands we carry. I also like Thursday Island and we have a very large selection of Toms shoes.
Where does the product come from?
All over! It’s kind of whatever grabs my attention. We have a few lines from Europe and quite a bit from the US and Canada.
Did you grow up in Edmonton, or are you a transplant? If so, what brought you here?
Born and raised.
If you could see one thing change here what would it be?
What my husband and I have been trying to do is to go to a butcher and get our meat, and then go to a baker and get our bread, and so on. I’d just like to see a section of the city created where you can do that with a little more ease. I guess I would like to see it become a little more European and walkable.
Why is it that people are so hesitant about shopping local? Why do you think Edmonton is so “Big Box” in general?
Because I think people fear what they don’t know. When you see a commercial on tv for a big box store that tells you “well, this is cool” it’s just easier to go with that. It’s a price point as well. It’s just hard for smaller boutiques to compete in regards to price because it’s a completely different system.
Would you say that the quality is worth the price in the end?
Oh yeah, for sure. Generally if you’re buying a higher quality product it’s going to last longer and look better. Personally I think it’s worth it. So you don’t buy as much, but you buy something that will last.
What item could you not live without during the cold winters here in E-town?
Easy…scarves!
Is there a store or restaurant local to Edmonton that you really enjoy?
Oh…there’s many. The smaller the restaurant the better. I really enjoy Duchess and Colonel Mustards is a great little spot. We’ll go out of our way for something we really like. Tony’s Pizza as well…love it! As for stores I really like Luxe Beauty and Artworks downtown.
Do you have any local charities you support and/or admire?
SPCA for sure, because I am a big animal lover. The store sponsors a child in Africa, and we support the Alberta Diabetes Foundation and the Stollery.
Do you have a holiday tradition that you can’t live without?
We just started it, and I love it. My husband is a total outdoors guy, so we buy a permit and drive out to an allocated area to cut down our own Christmas tree. It sounds a little weird, but it’s just so beautiful out there and it’s so much fun.
Any last words?
Keep it local!
Thanks Rychelle! I enjoyed my visit and will come back soon for a new scarf
Amanda
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