If you’re on the hunt for an extra special gift or are looking for holiday home accents that will turn into family heirlooms, look no further than the magical shop Lois Butler in Pointe-Claire Village, Quebec, which is about 20 minutes outside of Montreal. Owned and operated with love and care by Ms. Lois Butler herself (who is like Martha Stewart and your favourite relative in the same person), it’s the kind of memorable boutique that makes you believe that storybook-worthy stores still exist and that shopping during the holidays can actually be enjoyable. We caught up with Butler to find out more about her one-of-a-kind shop and her favourite items for the holidays.
What should people know about you?
I am the owner of the Lois Butler Boutique in Pointe-Claire Village, Quebec – a very eclectic shop that runs my life! Some would say I’m a workaholic, but I love every aspect of my business and am passionate about getting the best for my clients. Most people wouldn’t realize that I am a bit of an introvert as my high energy business persona takes over the minute I open my storefront each day. I was born and raised in Newfoundland and never thought I would live anywhere else. During a five day vacation to Montreal, many years ago, fate stepped in and I am still here today!
When did you start Lois Butler and what was the inspiration behind the store?
Our actual storefront in Pointe-Claire Village opened in 1996. Prior to that, my husband and I had a successful home-based business designing and painting one-of-a-kind décor accents and furniture. A year into the lease, my husband was offered and accepted, a great job. This joint decision created a dilemma. We had a lease and needed to pay the rent, so the Lois Butler Boutique evolved into the gift and décor business it is today
What are a few of the most special lines and/or products that you carry in your store?
Clients are always delighted to find innovative and unexpected products. For example, when was the last time you saw a powder puff? This definitely is a bit of an unexpected item at a store as such mine. However, I discovered the Shelley Kyle line of fragrances and toiletry items about two years ago. This line of products is exceptional! Clients are drawn to the elegant, feminine styling of her packaging but are also captivated by her fragrances, especially Tiramani. As it turns out, this past August, the Shelley Kyle powder puff won the best new beauty accessory at the NY NOW Gift Show. We are proud that we represent this innovative rising star in fragrance industry.
As a painter I was all about colour and I am in love with the pops of colour coming back into home décor. Cobistyle cushions, by Canadian designer Cobi Ladner, and her curtain line, manufactured by “Q” Design, certainly help add those accents of colour without having to change much in a neutral palette. Clients really love the quality of these Canadian made products.
Another design line we are really excited about is our new chandeliers. They are probably the most unique lighting we have ever featured, moving away from crystals to a more organic design. These offer that great wow factor.
We also feel that the work of an artisan elevates design and allows for greater self-expression. We have partnered with a Quebec artisan who does wonderful one-of-a-kind works from recycled and new materials, often incorporating interesting finds from nature. Having the opportunity to feature this kind of product line goes back to my beginnings, and provides me with a great deal of satisfaction.
What are you expecting to be some of the most sought-after items in your store this holiday season?
We have already sold out some of our great product lines, and are unlikely to be able to restock. One such item was the Handbag Butler or The Mighty Purse. It is a clutch containing a lithium ion battery that is capable of recharging your iPhone, Smartphone, iPad, etc. However, more important than providing the most sought after items, I think the value we bring lies in helping the gift challenged. There is a lot of pressure around gift giving, and I like to help make my clients’ lives easier by helping them feel confident in their selections.
What does the future hold for the Lois Butler?
I am excited that in 2014 that I will be moving to a larger location right here in Pointe-Claire Village. I love design and frequently have had to leave behind some of my favourite finds because I did not have the space to showcase them. This move has already awakened my creative energy and this will undoubtedly translate to good things for my clients.
How do we stay up-to-date with Lois Butler?
You can keep connected by signing up on my website, www.loisbutler.com where you can catch my blog, see what’s new in the store, and browse our online services. I’m also on Facebook.
