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It’s all in the name: Chic and Unique opens in downtown Alliston

September 16, 2021   ·   0 Comments

On Friday, September 10, Chic and Unique opened its doors at 4 Victoria Street East in Alliston.

Owned by Lauri Brown, Alliston’s newest retail business – and first downtown grand opening since COVID–19 – carries an array of local artisan products, including skincare, wood crafts, artwork, gifts, and gourmet foods, many made by female entrepreneurs from around Ontario.

“The store concept will appeal to a wide population,” said Lauri. “Those who appreciate high quality handcrafted goods, those who are environmentally conscious, those who appreciate gourmet foods, those who enjoy creating and attending workshops and those who just want to shop and support local.”

A big part of the Chic and Unique concept focuses on its plant-based refillery that offers shampoo, conditioner, lotion, dish soap, and cleaners with more products to come based on demand.

“Bring your own container, or purchase one on site,” reminds Lauri.

With everything in the store borrowed, reclaimed or refurbished (including the shelving), Lauri supports the “new-to-you” trend and sells “Frenchic Furniture” paint to help make that happen. She will be hosting seminars on how to turn reclaimed furniture into timeless pieces. Workshop and event times will be posted on her website.

Lauri has owned an online business where she sold natural skincare products for the past three years. She also has a degree in Business Management and over 20-years’ experience working in sales.

The Chic and Unique bricks and mortar business is a dream came true, but not just for her.

“I believe there is a necessity to support local businesses and artisans especially during this time of uncertainty due to the pandemic,” Lauri told The Times. “With that in mind, I wanted to bring a variety of local artisan products, as well as sustainable products to the forefront to help them gain exposure and grow.”

Chic and Unique is also a café where patrons can sit and relax, and enjoy coffee from Beaver Rock, or tea from Pluck. Or a gooey treat from Carriage House Bakery.

“I think the community is looking forward to getting ‘back to normal’ with things like attending workshops, strolling the downtown core, or just sitting and enjoying a coffee with a friend,” said Lauri. “My goal is for Chic and Unique to become a ‘hub’ for people to gather and enjoy themselves in a warm and relaxing environment.”

Chic and Unique is open 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday; and closed on Sunday. (After October 4, hours will change to: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday; and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday).

For more information visit Lauri at Chic and Unique in store, or online at chicandunique.ca.

COVID-19 protocols, based on current Health Unit suggestions, are in place.

By Wendy Gabrek

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