Carli Berry
reporter@pqbnews.com
Shades of Green is an ever evolving opportunity of eco-friendly supplies.
Corrie Smith, owner of Shades of Green, said the business started because there wasn’t earth friendly options in town.
“There was nothing in town that really catered to anything eco-friendly or earth friendly so I kind of decided I would morph into that here,” she said.
Since 2009, Smith said she has expanded on different products.
“Different companies are finding me over time,” she said. “Everyday we get new people in the store that have never been in before.”
Smith has been debating on options for online sales.
“I don’t have an online store yet, (it) possibly could happen,” she said.
There has been competition with the online market, as with any local business, she said.
“It’s just me so it’s hard when with family and you know, a farm.”
She said recently the store has expanded its children’s line to include “more wood toys.”
Children’s toys aren’t the only items that have been changing in the store.
“Diffusers and essential oils have been really expanding this year,” she said.
Shades of Green is big on carrying items that are eco-friendly, recyclable and reusable.
“People want options,” Smith said. She gets new ideas from people who come into the store all the time.
Smith has been using organic products on herself for years. It started after she had health issues, she said. “(I’m) trying to not use any harsh synthetics on the body.”
Smith has also lived in the Parksville area for her entire life, growing up in Errington.
After her mother retired from her stained glass and glass engraving business, Smith set up her store in the same location.
Shades of Green carries a variety of clothing, eco-friendly cleaning products and locally made jewellery and soaps.
One of Smith’s favourite items to try out would be her stock of S’well water bottles. She also suggests the sandwich bags and essentials oils.
The top seller of the store would have to be the gift cards, she said.
“They’re a hot item for sure.”
She is also a promoter of local shopping.
“The shop local (idea) is definitely catching on,” she said. “We’re trying to do that as a business community.”
She said by shopping locally, this also promotes the town’s economy.
“We’re all trying to work together to make our areas nice for people to come visit,” she said.
“Our businesses all support our community… I’m going to make money here but then go shopping at the farm stand or the farmer’s market.”
Shades of Green is located at 117 Craig St. in Parksville.