header
Nov/Dec 2009
Greetings from ARB
New to the BIZ
Feature Business
Complete Business Directory
Enter to Win a Gift Certificate
Local Events
What is a BIZ
Contact

As the snow begins to fall, our holiday spirit will begin to rise. Welcome to the holiday issue of Insight!

I know I'm looking forward to the unique atmosphere and feeling that Academy Road offers its residents and visitors at this time of year. Walking from shop to shop is a delight of mine, especially now. What adds to my enjoyment are the holiday events and promotions that so many of my fellow shop owners host over the holidays... many of which are listed below in our events section. Many stores offer extended shopping hours to ease our festive rush.

This issue features a business designed perfectly for holiday shopping, Boutique Unique. Read about the jewellery artist behind it.

Wishing everyone a joyous season and see you in January!

We are always open to your feedback. Drop me a line at info@academyroadbiz.com.
Be healthy and happy.

president 

 

Jenny Tasker
Chair, 2009
Academy Road BIZ
image
New business  
Never Leave Your Gift Giving to Chance  
Owner Annie Clark has left nothing to chance in bringing her passion for unique jewellery design and fashion edge to Serendipity Fashions & Accessories. "My boutique experience comes in the form of a frequent shopper," jokes Clark.

Serendipity carries international jewelry lines that have been featured on fashion influential television series such as Sex in the City, Gossip Girl, Canadian Idle and Dancing with the Stars. Designers include Otazu, Anne Koplick and Joan Kreitzer and Kelly Sutton.

She also carries a unique line of handbags by designers Latico, xoxo, Mary Francis and La Regal and Baekgaard. Clark has positioned her store well for the Academy Road shopper.

As well, Serendipity is one of only a few shops in Winnipeg that carry the trendy Lampe Berger Fragrance Perfume Lamp Diffuser. Now collector's items, these fashionable lamps are leaders in innovations for air care, cleans the room air by destroying unwanted odors and providing long-lasting fragrance, due to its exclusive diffusion system.

Serendipity Fashions & Accessories is located at 575 Academy Road, 415-5540, www.myserendipitystore.com.

Academy Road BIZ is always alive with activity, especially when it comes to new businesses opening up in the area. Here's what's new to check out.
image
tree
image
Our featured business

Weiss

Give the Gift of Distinct Design

Boutique Unique is owned by Brenda Weiss, resident artist. "This is a new endeavor for me," explains Weiss. "I started with a table at a craft show and soon was making the craft circuit across Western Canada." Her whimsical jewellery bead creations are found throughout the store amongst 30 prairie artists, covering jewellery, functional art, wall art, hand made clothing, wood working, hand made dolls, ceramics and home decor. An astounding 80% of the artists that Boutique Unique represents are Winnipeg artists. "I still make the craft circuit, but for a different reason. We've grown the number of artists in the shop by over a third since we opened [which was only in April], explains Weiss, by seeking out talented artists whose products would work well in the store.

Weiss has also taken classes in metal works, pottery and stained glass but admits that beading just stuck. She often creates one of a kind jewellery pieces specific to her client and event. "Ask me to create a special and distinctive piece for your special occasion, such as a wedding or graduation. Match your accessories perfectly to your dress and to other people in your party," exclaims Weiss. She is constantly sourcing out beads when traveling and finds herself using accents from antique pieces from her parents antique shop.

"We also do a lot of repair work on bead jewellery pieces from elsewhere as we are one of the only places that will."

"Academy Road is a well known area for supporting local artists and handmade products," explains Weiss, as to why she chose Academy Road BIZ as her business home. "The area and the shops are accessible. People feel they are receiving something of quality." In the six months that Boutique Unique has been open, Weiss accounts 85% of her customers being from the area. "When people shop in the store, they know that care went into making the item. If it's a gift, the receiver appreciates the thought that went into selecting it," explain Weiss.

Boutique Unique is located at 484 Academy Road, 489-3646, www.boutiqueunique.ca.

 

back to top

image
ARB business directory   Win a gift certificate

The Academy Road BIZ website contains a complete business directory including contact information and descriptions for many businesses. Click here to go to the directory.

 

In each issue of the Insight newsletter, you can enter to win a $25 gift certificate from an Academy Road BIZ business of your choice!

This issue's trivia question is:
What is the iconic symbol that lines the streets of Academy Road BIZ each holiday season?

Know the answer? Click here for a chance to win. Include the answer and your full name.

Last issue's trivia contest winner was M. Lount. He chose a gift certificate from Sushi California.

back to top
image
Local events
The Academy Road BIZ makes every effort to list current event information. Details may change without notice. Contact the business itself for updated information.

Essentique Salon & Spa
Glitz & Glow - The Essentique Holiday Gala

Treat yourself to once a year savings on all AVEDA products, Mini Spa Treatments & Holiday Makeup Tips as well as wine & cheese with friends! Donate $10.00 to Winnipeg Harvest & receive a special AVEDA Gift!
November 18th 6:00 to 8:00 pm
 
545 Academy Road, 489-0100

Villa Flora
We will decorate your home for the holidays!
Please call for details.


419 Academy Road, 488-4566, villaflora@shawbiz.ca, www.villaflora.ca

Pilates Manitoba
Winter Mat Session
Mon., Nov. 16 to Sat., Feb. 6
10 weeks for $135
(No classes the weeks of Mon., Dec. 21 to Sat., Jan. 2
Call 487-2287 to register!

390 Academy Road, 487-2287, www.pilatesmanitoba.com

Academy Dental Group
Free Exam Day

Monday November 23, 2009 from 8:30-5pm
Academy Dental Group would like to offer our current patients as well as new patients a chance to come in for a free Dental Exam on Monday, November 23, 2009 Please visit our website @ www.academydentalgroup.com or call our friendly dental team at 925-6800 for more details.

435 Academy Road, 925-6800, academydental@mts.net, www.academydentalgroup.com

Ag925 Boutique
Holiday shopping made easy! - November 1 to December 24, 2009
We also have extended holiday hours to fit your busy schedule! Ag925 will be open 10am-8pm for the Thursday-Saturday before Christmas, December 17th, 18th and 19th.
Ag925 Boutique has you covered for all your gift-giving needs this holiday season! Pick up some jewellery for that special someone, beautiful clothing for your favorite fashionista, or a gift certificate for the discerning shopper. Or pick up a holiday treat for yourself and warm up in a cozy sweater or a cute down parka.
Orders for jewellery from Hilary Druxman Studios can be placed until November 29th. Happy holidays from all of us at Ag925 Boutique!

540 Academy Road, 489-2026, ag925boutique@gmail.com

Ag925 Boutique
Boxing Weekend Sale - December 26th & December 27th, 2009
Ag925 Boutique is having our annual Boxing Weekend Sale, so be sure to stop in for the best deals of the season! All fall and winter clothing will be 50% off, and clothing from previous seasons will be at blowout prices! $5 for t-shirts and camisoles, $10 for pants, skirts and dresses! We hope to see you there!
 
540 Academy Road, 489-2026, ag925boutique@gmail.com

Woodlands Gallery 
Holiday Open House

Saturday December 5th, 2009 - 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm
Enjoy colourful new artwork, holiday refreshments and enter to win a gallery gift certificate. All are welcome!
 
535 Academy Road, 947-0700, info@woodlandsgallery.com, www.woodlandsgallery.com

Saucers Café
Our seasonal menu has now changed to fall / winter. Come check out items like Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables, Cedar Planked Salmon, or our Pulled Bison Sandwich with aged Cheddar. 
 
Don’t forget about our catering services. We'll bring our food to your venue. Anything from group lunches to evening appetizers. View our catering menu at www.menumanitoba.com/saucerscater.htm.
 
570 Academy Road, 489-9204

Bejeweled Accessories
Great gift ideas for all your holiday needs!
Holiday hours begin November 15/2009

545 Academy Road, 489-1933, www.bejeweledaccessories.com

Madison Hair Design
Make a Difference to Families in Need

Please drop of non-parishable food items to Madison Hair Design before the 2nd week in December. Hampers will be made for families in need. Hours are Wednesday to Saturday.
 
442 Academy Road, 477-4973 

Academy Optical
Just back from the latest eyewear show in Las Vegas and our new stock is arriving weekly.

There are new exciting looks and some new lines. We are in a new transitional stage in the fashion end of optical. We are seeing larger lenses, interesting shapes and more minimalistic side temples, but with interesting laser treatments, etchings and intonations. We are also introducing the new line of Ed Hardy Sunglasses. Our new website is being worked on, so stay tuned for its launch in the near future. For a consultation on your optical needs come in and ask for Rhonda. Eye testing is available in the building. Easy access and parking.

525 Academy Road, 488-2800, academyoptical@mts.net

Sharon's Linens China & Gifts
Experience the sparkle of our diamond anniversary - celebrate 60 years with us at our 2 open houses.
Saturday & Sunday November 28 and 29 and Saturday & Sunday December 5 & 6
Saturday hours are 10-5 and Sunday hours are 12-5
Special Prices at our Holiday Open House

580 Academy Road, 488-4451

 

Dr. Ziesmann's Advanced Non-Surgical Esthetics
Save 20% in December at the Dr. Manfred Ziesmann's Cosmetic
Save on Botox, Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm. Also enjoy 20% off all skin care products. Don't forget gift certificates this holiday season!
 
559 Academy Road - 2nd Level, 488 - 6559
Boutique Unique
Gifts for All
Receive a free watch as a gift to you with any purchase of $100.00 or more in December.
 
484 Academy Road, 489-3646, brenda@boutiqueunique.ca, www.boutiqueunique.ca
back to top
image
What is a BIZ

Academy Road BIZ is a member of the umbrella group, Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone Association, in which a volunteer board works to create awareness for the merchants, patrons and residents of each zone that they represent.


Consumers and businesses typically notice positive changes when businesses gain control of their business area and oversee functions like streetscaping and marketing.

A BIZ can serve as a tool for organizing businesses toward cooperative efforts and is often key to developing a more attractive physical environment and a more successful business area.

back to top

image
Contact

email - info@academyroadbiz.com
web - www.academyroadbiz.com
addresss - 535 Academy Road, Winnipeg, MB R3N 0E2

back to top

header
  Copyright 2009 Published by EDGE