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By Dianne Park / Photography by Sandy MacKay
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STYLE: Elegant and fun.
IN A NUTSHELL: SAS Home and Gifts offers a feast for the eyes with an impressive selection of home décor and unique gifts. Shoppers will find that finishing touch accessory for their home, or a fun and humourous hostess gift.
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THE ANGLE: Owned by cousins Sue Wilson and Sue Rueger, this cozy shop features a perfect balance between classy home décor and fun and whimsical gifts. “Our goal is to be fun, but also offer elegant products that are beautifully packaged,” says Wilson. The store boasts shelf upon shelf of merchandise for your browsing pleasure, with little notes that identify SAS themes: “Sleek And Simple”, Substance And Style”, Silly And Saucy.”
UNIQUE: Elegance is interspersed with merriment throughout the store. Wilson and Rueger found that there were many businesses in the area that featured rustic, tourist-oriented products. They wanted to bring “a touch of urban from the city to the country, keeping the feel of Muskoka.” Reasonable prices and high-quality products reflect that aim, as does their slogan found at the entrance: “Just North of Urban.”
THE PRODUCTS: You’ll find everything from mini topiaries and vases, to photo frames, greeting cards, gourmet teas, silk pillows, tote purses, home fragrances and pillows. It’s difficult not to smile at the gifts, which include magnetic poetry kits, gem-shaped ice cube trays, shower sponges shaped like microphones, and a frou-frou line of bathroom odour-killing products from the brand Poo~Pourri.
FAVOURITES: Although SAS is constantly bringing in new items, some favourite products stay the same. Wilson says a popular item is the Lampe Berger Paris home fragrance and purification line. “I use it at home, and we use it in the store,” she says. Wilson adds that the Tea Forte products are high-quality and beautifully presented, as is the home line of Thymes lotions and soaps. Her favourite item in the store is the jewelry.
MISSION: Wilson and Rueger have a lot of fun with their store. Preparing for its opening two years ago was a family affair, and at the end of the day, they always try to share a smile or laugh with each other at closing time. They strive to provide the best customer service and build close relationships with their customers. A couple, regulars of the store, spoke of an instance when they were faced with an interior decorating crisis right before a wedding they were hosting. Wilson and Rueger offered to stage their whole home with items from the store. These store owners are more than willing to go the extra mile.
GET THERE:
3 Manitoba St.
Bracebridge
705-645-7727
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