Don't worry, bead happy: B.C. bead store still supplying smiles after 25 years - Action News
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British ColumbiaSTILL STANDING

Don't worry, bead happy: B.C. bead store still supplying smiles after 25 years

Still Standing is a series about the small businesses in the Lower Mainland that have managed to stay open despite the challenges. Country Beads in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighbourhood opened in 1994 and is still going strong.

Country Beads opened in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighbourhood in 1994

Sue Gill, owner of Country Beads, is pictured inside her store in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighbourhood. Gill has managed to buck the odds for 25 years in a city where it has becoming increasingly tough for small businesses to afford to stay afloat. (Maggie MacPherson/CBC)

It's hard to pass by the windows of Country Beads in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighbourhood without being drawn to the colourful window.

The shoplocated on Fourth Avenue on the city's west sidehas attracted people to it since owner Sue Gill first opened the doors in October 1994.

And whatever the reasons people have for buying beads whether to find a specialcharm for a hemp necklace fromthe mid-90s, or to stock up on supplies for crafternoon activities during a pandemic in 2020 they have kept the store afloat for over 25 years in a city where many independent businesses have sank.

"I wanted people to meet up at the bead store," said Gill, who was fairly new to the city when she opened the shop and said she wanted a homey, community space where people could get togetherand be creative.

The colourful windows of Country Beads at 2015 West Fourth Avenue in Vancouver. (Maggie MacPherson/CBC)

Gill got her wish and over the years has increased her selection of beads, charms, strings and cords to meet her customer's requests.

And she loves to find unique stock for the shop that may not be available in other craft stores.

"There are so many places I can travel to see what beads they have," said Gill, adding thattravelling all over the world to find treasures to bring home is one of the best perks of being in the bead business.

Country Beads moved online due to COVID-19 concerns, but, even closed to customers, the shop attracts window shoppers. (Maggie MacPherson/CBC)

Plus, she has hadsome discerning customers to please, including some onbead-shop tours of the Pacific Northwest.

"One time there were these six women and they had been travelling up the coast ... and hitting as many bead stores as they could," recalled Gill. "They all found something they liked."

There won't likely be many bead connoisseurs coming from foreign spots to the shop this summer, but even U.S. customers can currently shop Country Beads online.

Sue Gill, owner of Country Beads, said she was not a big beader herself when she opened the shop, but loved colour and texture and wanted a creative space where people could feel comfortable hanging out. (Maggie MacPherson/CBC)

The brick-and-mortar shop isclosed due to COVID-19 concerns, but locals can drop by to pick up online purchases until the doors reopen which isexpected to be soon.

Check the shop's website to find out when you can meet up at the bead store again. At a safe distance from the other beaders, of course.

One of the perks of owning a bead store, said Sue Gill, is traveling the world to find unique stock. (Maggie MacPherson/CBC)

To hear Sue Gill chat about Country Beads with CBC's Jason D'Souza, tap here.

Still Standing is a series about the small businesses in the Lower Mainland that have managed to stay open despite the challenges. Listen every second Tuesday on CBC RadioThe Early Edition.

If you have a suggestion for a store or business in the Lower Mainland that's been around for awhile and provides a specialized serviceor has an unusual survival story, please email earlyed@cbc.ca

With files from The Early Edition