Skip to content

New business focuses on community and Canadian-made goods

6 Doors Up, which opened Saturday, offers variety of interior decor

Community love has helped local business owners expand their footprint in downtown Orillia.

“Orillia has been our home for 10 years,” said Kristopher Orchard, co-owner of OC Emporium and, now, 6 Doors Up, which opened Saturday. “The best people in our lives are in this community, and that’s why we invest in this community.”

Orchard and his partner, Jamie Campbell, spent Saturday talking to dozens of customers, old and new, who came by the store at 96 Mississaga St. E.

“Our customers are our friends,” said Orchard. “When we opened our first store, we were embraced like we were already part of the downtown.”

When OC Emporium opened last May, customers said they wanted to see more furniture, which would complement the products already at the store.

“As we talked to customers, we realized what they wanted,” Campbell said. “They enjoy the Canadian-made products, such as small-accent decor items.”

Customers were looking for a larger selection of furniture, he said, so when the space on the main street became available, he and Orchard decided it was time to expand their business.

The new store has a variety of Canadian-made merchandise, including word work produced by Orillia-based artisans.

“We need more stores like this,” said Matt Thompson, of Severn. “It all comes down to showcasing local talent. There are a lot of people in this town who have the craft, and having the support of a local retailer is beneficial.”

The addition of the store to the downtown business directory adds competition, which is healthy for businesses to thrive, said Orchard.

And, if he and Campbell are able to fill a gap, it makes him happy to do so.

“There’s a diverse population in this town, and they’re going to Barrie or Toronto to buy what we now have in this store,” he said.

Having Canadian-made products in the store only adds to the philosophy of “supporting local,” he added.

“We have a huge industry not recognized in this country,” Orchard, acknowledging there are times when items have to be imported.

“But, by going Canadian-made, we’re supporting families and healthy growth,” he said.


Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.




Mehreen Shahid

About the Author: Mehreen Shahid

Mehreen Shahid covers municipal issues in Cambridge
Read more