MBiz | December 2017

BIN 22/HOMETOWN GLORY

RIght: Jessica Keating and husband Russell Davies kick up their heels at Hometown Glory. Photos courtesy of Bin 22 Coffee Company and Hometown Glory

Jessica furnished Hometown Glory with personal items like her dad’s old record player, vinyl LPs and even a Tom Petty wall — things that create conversation. “It’s a whole experience, so even if you don’t want to shop, maybe you just want to hang out and have your coffee from Bin 22 and just enjoy your time here — that’s what I have set out to do,” she says. “I don’t care if people don’t spend money when they are in here or if they are just passing through to get to the coffee shop. I want them to feel welcome because they are walking through the door, and that’s the first step.” Both businesses back their service with quality offerings — world-class coffees and “prairie-inspired” boutique items that are unique, beautiful and tailored to local customers' needs. "They wanted more than clothing, they wanted little knick-knack things they could pick up with a pair of leggings, so now, for example, we offer a stationery line that they just eat up," Jessica says. “They also want Canadian-made products that really reflect where we live because people are really wanting to support our country — including local artisans.” The community response to these businesses has been strong. “Local support means everything to me,” says Jessica. “And the surrounding communities which don’t have a lot of shopping options now come into Russell, which is great.” ■

december 2017