Epicentrics are people who set up shops as unique as their location: downtown Edmonton. Downtown has a style you won’t find anywhere else in the city and our Epicentrics are the foundation.
The word “Epicentric” is based on the idea that not only is downtown the “epic centre” of our city, it’s also the epicentre of Edmonton’s energy, where exciting things happen.
Our eight highlighted Epicentrics are some of downtown’s longtime staples, as well as eager newcomers who were a part of our Retail Attraction Program.
Looking for shopping inspo? Find more epicentrics here!
THE EPICENTRICS
KRISTIANNA SQUIRECHUK | OBJ3CTS
When we began our Downtown Retail Attraction Program, baker Kristianna teamed up with her family to open OBJ3CTS, a store that combines her delicious food with floral arrangements, giftware, apothecary items and books.
Together, they created an aesthetic storefront where customers get to browse curated products, sit and relax beneath natural light and hanging greenery, and indulge in Kristianna’s hand-crafted sweets.
WENDY TURNER | THE ARTWORKS
From a small picture-framing shop to humble poster shop to full-blown arts and design shop, Wendy has turned her passion for the arts into a thriving career.
In 1982, Wendy and her husband, Peter, launched The Artworks, an ode to their shared passion. Together, they built a haven for modern and classic design pieces, one-of-a-kind found objects, fine jewellery and hand-crafted flower arrangements.
KERRY THAM | BLU’S
In 2015, Kerry took ownership of Blu’s alongside Vince Kong, and now she proudly upholds the store’s mission to bring out each woman’s uniqueness through fashion.
She has an innate understanding of style and personal expression, and she directs Blu’s stylists to fit customers’ clothing not only to their size, but also to their personality.
Shopping at Blu’s is a one-of-a-kind experience. Kerry has cultivated a healthy selection of designers exclusive to their store as well as high-quality Canadian brands.
KELLY DYER | AUDREYS BOOKS
As the manager of Audreys Books, Kelly knows the importance of making space for good stories. She works tirelessly to line Audreys’ shelves with diverse topics, genres and authors.
Her true passion, though, is children’s picture books. Over the past six years, she’s grown Audreys’ children’s section bigger than it’s ever been before. Rest assured, your little one will have no shortage of choice at Audreys Books, and Kelly is more than happy to give recommendations.
JUSTIN DER | FOOSH
Justin and his business partner, Rob Clarke, created Foosh as a home for sneakers, streetwear, music and art. They wanted to give Edmonton an alternative to typical fashion while amplifying the rich culture of streetwear, which has strong ties to rebellious youth.
The liveliness here was what inspired Justin to open a Foosh downtown. He and his team loved the diverse community and wanted to be a part of it.
IVAN MILITE | LE BELLE ARTI
Ivan works at Le Belle Arti, which was founded by Frank, Joe and Orlando Milite in 1976.
Le Belle Arti is a true representation of European design, with a focus on Italian conventions. They work under a strict design policy: everything they sell must be aesthetically appealing, comfortable and high-quality.
JORDAN SINGER | HENRY SINGER
Jordan’s grandfather, Henry Singer, opened his first store with only $300 to his name. Henry Singer wanted to provide men with the clothes they needed to make a difference, and eventually his brand became the premier men’s fashion resource.
When Jordan took over presidency of the company, he dedicated himself to upholding his grandfather’s legacy.