It seems only fitting that the cheekiest store on 5th Street in Courtenay started 20 years ago with the flip of a coin. Sherry Bruce-Marshall, her mom, Deanna Stewart and Jorden Marshall decided that if the odds were in their favour, the coin flipping would determine the direction. On the first round, best-two-out-of-three, the answer was a definite “go”. The butterflies were still present so they went for three- out-of-five. The coin flips gave them the answer they needed.
Sherry, Deanna and Jorden wanted the name of the store to reflect the cheeky fun that drives the concept. Neil Havers of Havers Design was invited in to bat ideas around. Hence Uranus.
The store is an offshoot of Hot Chocolates and cards previously sold there were core to the new store. Space limitations had prevented them from bringing in the selection their customer base demanded and the decision to open another business gave them freedom to expand the line of cards and introduce a selection of fun, joke and novelty items. Cheek sits next to chic and the juxtaposition gives Uranus a vibe not to be found elsewhere.
While much of the current inventory maintains the original concept, Siobhan Hayton, Manager for the past 13 years, has introduced new products that include the much loved line of Matt & Nat handbags, fresh and local jewelry, purses and housewares. The biggest sellers still include the ever-popular whoopee cushions (purchased more often by grown men than by kids), novelty Christmas ornaments and an impressive collections of cards. With 9 employees, Siobhan works at keeping a step ahead of the trends and gives Sherry Bruce-Marshall full credit for mentoring her on buying trips. “Sherry had such a vision and an ability to identify what was hot. I truly learned from the master,” says Siobhan.
Two decades in the same location has ensured its role as a destination for shoppers from near and far. Owner Jorden Marshall and store manager, Siobhan Hayton invite everyone to drop by the store (356 - 5th Street) on Saturday afternoon, June 28th for cookies and lemonade to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Great opportunity to purchase a whoopee cushion!