Red Deer Digest

In the summer of 2002, Diane, Catherine and Leslie identified the need for a viable store in Red Deer where local artists could display and sell their artwork. With Catherine having just come from a managerial position in a corporate business and Leslie and Diane seeking to upgrade an already existing store, they came together with this goal in mind.

After choosing a location for the store, in the heart of downtown among unique specialty shops and local flair, they

began construction. They knew the concept would fit right into the downtown philosophy and before the store was complete, began showing their upcoming merchandise at the Red Deer Farmer’s Market to create a buzz.

In August 2002 housewarmings’ doors were opened, with 10 artists showcasing their work. The partners began setting up at Trade Shows as well as the Downtown Business After Hours Christmas show, while still continuing at the Farmer’s Market, and by 2003 they knew they were on the right track as the artist base had grown to 75!

The style of housewarmings, including the logo, has changed throughout the years. The style has grown and surpassed even the expectations of the partners. From country to contemporary, to classical and Asian, the flair is ever-changing and evolving. It can be attributed to the ability of the owner’s to listen to customers, and their willingness to adapt to changing styles, customer requests and suggestions.

“We feel that the warm, friendly atmosphere is enhanced by our (customer-described!) fun and ‘quirky’ personalities. People never know what to expect when they walk through the door, and that’s the way we like it!”

In February of 2007 Catherine, Leslie and Diane endured a gruelling 22 hour flight to Thailand on their first ever overseas buying trip! The trip seemed charmed right from the start, and they hooked up with a wonderful man in the Northern Thai city of ChiangMai who was to become the store’s broker. With visits to street markets, factories and through meetings with owners and workers alike, in a whirlwind buying tour of the city, they made some awesome choices, and the excitement was palpable when the 17 crates arrived on Ross Street.

With housewarmings’ five year anniversary just passed, and the excitement of the first overseas buying trip still fresh in their minds, who knows what changes 2008 will bring?

“We say: ‘Bring it on!’.”

Owners: Diane Hermary, Catherine Robb, Leslie Marchant.

Housewarmings website
Address: 4916 Ross Street, RD T4N 1X7
Phone: 403-309-0663
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am-5:30pm

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