villagevibe November 2009 : News and views from the heart of Fernwood
Retail revival in the neighbourhood
>> by Lee Herrin
L
ast month, Leon Zetler purchased the storefront property at 1308 Gladstone Avenue, becoming the newest property owner in Fernwood Village. Although the property had been for sale for some time, a previous deal fell through and when it came back onto the market, Zetler, 39, bought it the day it was listed. Most exciting of all, within days of the purchase, Zetler put up a sign making his intent clear: the store would become Aubergine Specialty Foods. “Fernwood is a great neighbourhood,” says Zetler, “it’s vibrant, with a nice mix of people…it’s becoming a destination.” Zetler is from South Africa and his family has roots in farming several generations deep. Although Zetler is a retailer, he sees himself as being part of a long family tradition in food. He has been in Canada for nine years, and has experience in the food business as a specialty foods broker, and as a retailer at Aubergine’s prior location in Cadboro Bay village. As such, he has a strong knowledge of the
local food scene, especially the organic growers. “I’m big on local produce,” Zetler says, “and it’s my intention to sell affordable specialty foods. I want to offer an eclectic mix of organic groceries and specialty items.” Although the store is only 700 square feet, Zetler has big plans: “700 square feet is a small store, but it will be used intensively. It will be loaded with stock, but comfortable to walk around,” he says. In addition to produce and specialty items, Zetler plans to stock some pre-made items including salads and appetizers, dry goods, “and a few secrets that will have to wait until opening...If you are looking to buy the basics, I will stock the basics. But it is also important to be affordable—I will be affordable.” Zetler hopes that customers will come from both inside and outside the neighbourhood, attracted by the selection of specialty items he will stock. “It’s very important to be a neighbourhood store, but to survive you need to attract customers from other neighbourhoods too.” At this writing, Zetler is in the process of
applying for the various permits necessary to build out the store. Eventually, he hopes to have a bit of seating on the outside too. He plans to be open in time for Christmas. Welcome to Fernwood, Leon! Read more profiles of Fernwood’s recently-opened businesses on pages 2 & 6.
in this issue Neighbourhood Non-Profit: Power of Hope Page 3 Feature: Stormwater Management through Gardening Page 4 Canada World Youth Page 6 To get the Vibe digitally, sign up at fernwoodnrg.ca