Shopping options have gotten more diverse in one B.C. town recently, following the opening of Unity, Excellence, Legacy (UEL), a 1,000 sq. ft. store in Granville Island’s Net Loft building dedicated to selling products from Black-owned brands in Canada.

Opened by the Black Business Association of BC (BBABC), president Nerissa Allen said the new store will allow businesses to be showcased right in time for the holiday season.

“To have more businesses being showcased at the same time, we decided we would have the space and then invite vendors to sell their product within the space,” Allen told BCBusiness.ca. “We can have as many vendors as possible on the shelves here.”

Almost two years ago, the BBABC hosted a pop-up store at the Bentall Centre for nine weeks for companies run by Black businessowners. Entrepreneurs came in on a weekly basis and ran in designated areas.

The pop-up was successful, but the Surrey-based non-profit — which helps Black entrepreneurs and small companies nationwide — wanted to make a more permanent impact.

During the pandemic, it was especially hard for the BBABC to find a high-traffic location because most places were closed, and the group wanted to reach tourists and locals.

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), a national housing agency, became an important partner and was a part of making the organization’s vision come true, especially in setting up and making the most of the site.

“The vibe as well — we wanted it to feel artistic because our artisans are artistic,” Allen said in the interview.

She added that products would shuffle over time, giving shelf space to new entrepreneurs based on sales and availability.

Source: BCBusiness