Vernon, BC’s Birch Hill Studio Recognized as 2018 Independent Retailer of the Year by Retail Council of Canada

Love of unique gifts and commitment to Canadian-only products hits the mark for this dynamic family-run business

 

TORONTO, April 11, 2018: Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is excited to select Birch Hill Studio as the winner of the Excellence in Retailing Awards (ERA) 2018 Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year.

RCC’s Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of a local independent retailer. The recipient has distinguished itself as a visionary and innovator that has become as an integral part of the community it serves.

Birch Hill Studio, is a family-run lifestyle boutique and gift shop, founded by Sierra Harris. It offers a curated collection of brands from leading Canadian designers as well as their own brand, Haus Of Birch.

“Birch Hill Studio is a remarkable retailer not only because they’ve become one of downtown Vernon’s leading businesses, but because they have achieved this by finding fresh ways to support local artists and designers while staying committed to selling solely Canadian products,” said Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO, Retail Council of Canada. “Birch Hill Studio also offers a unique customer experience that extends beyond its store; their playful posts and growing community on social media are also an indication of that unique customer experience.”

Birch Hill Studio joins a group of passionate merchants from across Canada who have received the Excellence in Retailing Awards Independent Retailer of the Year Award, including Diamond Gallery, Rocky Mountain Soap Company, Reckless Bike Stores, Amos Pewter, That Pro Look, Cuckoo’s Nest and Korry’s Clothiers for Gentlemen.

The Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year Award will be presented to Birch Hill Studio at Retail Council of Canada’s Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on May 29, 2018 at the Toronto Congress Centre from 5:30pm to 8:30pm ET. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.retailawards.ca/tickets.

The Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala will close the first day of STORE 2018, which is Canada’s biggest retail conference, and will feature more than 80 speakers and attract more than 2,500 retail leaders from across North America. Media are also invited to attend STORE 2018, from May 29 to May 30, 2018. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.storeconference.ca/tickets.

About Birch Hill Studio
As a lifestyle boutique and gift shop, Birch Hill Studio proudly supports solely Canadian artisans, makers and designers. This commitment to Canadian-made or designed products makes Birch Hill Studio one of downtown Vernon’s leading small businesses. In 2015, Sierra Harris established Birch Hill Studio after her family (husband Gerran, daughter Stella) moved to Vernon from Terrace, BC. Inspired by Sierra’s love of unique gift-giving and local markets, Birch Hill Studio houses some of Canada’s leading designers and makers. In 2016, Sierra designed and launched her own clothing line for men, women and children. www.birchhillstudio.com.

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About Retail Council of Canada:
Retail is Canada’s largest employer with 2.1 million Canadians working in our industry. The sector annually generates over $76 billion in wages and employee benefits. Core retail sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline) were $369 billion in 2017. Retail Council of Canada (RCC) members represent more than two thirds of retail sales in the country. RCC is a not-for-profit, industry-funded association that represents small, medium and large retail businesses in every community across the country. As the Voice of Retail™ in Canada, we proudly represent more than 45,000 storefronts in all retail formats, including department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers and online merchants.  RetailCouncil.org