The Shoe Tree ... where shoes are everything!

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Jan Kostiw from The Shoe Tree takes some time out of her day to walk us around her store located on the beautiful, tree-lined Festival Square (6th Street South) in downtown Lethbridge.

She started her retail shoe business in 1999 on 4th Avenue. Jan built it from scratch ... contacting suppliers, designing, painting and renovating her new store. After a number of successful years of operation as a tenant in her 4th Avenue space, she recently made the move to her own heritage building on 6th Street. Once again, this new, larger space had to be totally renovated and remodelled. The result ... one of most inviting retail spaces in the downtown core.

Jan and her experienced staff, Kim and Cassie, take great pride in providing their customers with exceptional product knowledge and service. They always strive to make a difference with their customers and to create a positive shopping experience.

Although the store is located in a relatively small city, Jan has managed to stock her store with a 'little bit of everything' in order to satisfy the needs of her customers (Ecco, Franko Sarto, Birkenstock, Hush Puppies, Due Fratelli, Trotters, Sofft, Miss Mac, Romika, NAOT, El Natura Lista, Miz Mooz, MBT, Clarks and many, many other great shoe lines). From dress shoes, to walking shoes, to shoes with removeable footbeds and everything in-between, The Shoe Tree is 'the place' for shoes in Lethbridge. Although her customers are predominantly women, she also carries an impressive selection of quality men's shoes (Merrell, Echo, Rockport and Blundstone from Australia).

Besides shoes, they 'love' their boots and handbags at The Shoe Tree and so do their customers. From flat to high heel, from mid-heel to wedge ... they stock an impressive selection of boots. While in the store make sure to check out their great selection of handbags by Derek Alexander and stunning, custom-crafted handbags by a new, up-and-coming designer from Montreal - Mary-Ann Keverian (Miss MAK).

When you're in the market for new shoes or are looking for something to compliment your wardrobe, make sure to stop into The Shoe Tree in downtown Lethbridge - 326 - 6th Street South.

For more information about The Shoe Tree, call (403) 328-9484.

Blueprint Entertainment ... Downtown Lethbridge's independent record store

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Opened in 2006, Blueprint Entertainment was the brainchild of Mike Molloy and friend/business partner Jorden Ager. Although Jorden has since left to pursue another career (current Station Manager at CKXU - U of L's campus/community radio station), Mike has continued to successfully operate Lethbridge's only independent record store.

Mike has exemplified the true meaning of entrepreneurship. His love for music and the inability to find the records he was looking for at local stores, led to the creation of Blueprint Entertainment. He had a vision and brought it to life with a lot of hard work and determination. It's the perfect business for Mike because he's passionate about independent music and that's what his store is all about.

Although he stock's a selection of DVD's, VHS tapes and console games (XBox 360, PlayStation, ColecoVision, etc), independent/local rock music is the store's stock-in-trade. He also carries a selection of independent blues, country, folk, world music, classical, metal and punk. Mike primarily stocks used goods (buy, sell and trade), however the store also carries a varied selection of new release CD's and vinyl records. Mike shy's away from top 40 and leaves that to the retail chain record stores.

Mike has created a unique store that caters to a niche market ... exactly the type of business that sets downtown Lethbridge apart. Blueprint has been well-received by southern Alberta audiophiles and its list of patrons continues to grow.

Besides the retail side of the business, Mike also works with live-music venues such as The Slice, Henotic and the Blarney Stone to host and promote independent bands. Mike works extremely hard at promoting local music and musicians. The music scene in southern Alberta is strong and Blueprint Entertainment is doing its best to keep it that way.

So, if you're looking for a wide selection of music that goes beyond 'top 40', Blueprint Entertainment is well-worth the visit - 519 - 4th Avenue South.

For more information on Blueprint Entertainment, phone 403 320-8333.

2009 Bright Lights Festival set for November 20 in beautiful Galt Gardens Park

The Annual Bright Lights Festival will kick-off the holiday shopping season on Friday, November 20th in beautiful Galt Gardens Park. Santa arrives at 6:00 p.m. and Mayor Tarleck will flick the switch to light one of the largest trees at 6:30 p.m. Santa will then take time out from his hectic schedule to chat with his fans and find out who has been 'naughty' and who has been 'nice'.

Back by popular demand this year will be 'Christmas Movies in the Park'. We will be showing a number of Christmas classics during the evening.

Besides Santa and the movies, the traditional hayrides, hot chocolate, hot apple cider and popcorn will be available to attendees, free of charge, courtesy of the Downtown BRZ and participating merchants.

Our Midnight Madness event will also be taking place in conjunction with the Bright Lights Festival. Participating merchants will keep their doors open late and will be providing their valued customers with specials.

So, bundle up the kids and head downtown to take in the lights and festivities on November 20th.

For more information, contact the Downtown BRZ at 403 327-9002.

Downtown Business Revitalization Zone featured in Lethbridge Living Magazine

The Downtown is the featured 'cover story' in the lastest issue of Lethbridge Living Magazine.

Here's a short excerpt from the 'City Centered' story by Amanda Berg ...
The culture of Downtown Lethbridge has changed over the years thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (Downtown BRZ) and support from the City of Lethbridge. The community has embraced the changes to the downtown core, and with a 10 per cent vacancy rate today, compared to 35 per cent in 2000, it's proof Lethbridge residents are frequenting downtown more than ever. "The downtown is our identity, a connection to our past. It is the lifeblood of our community," says Managing Coordinator for the Downtown BRZ and Lethbridge Main Street Project, Ted Stilson. "If you travel to cities around the world, you go to the downtown to see what the community is about - to experience the culture." Downtown BRZ wants to prove Lethbridge is no different.

Lethbridge Living Magazine is published six times per year and reaches over 45,000 readers at homes and businesses throughout Southwestern Alberta.

Copies of the November/December issue can be picked up at Lethbridge Living - 1518 - 3rd Avenue South or at the BRZ office - 310 - 6th Street South.

The Round Street Cafe ... a childhood dream come true for Bonny

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Although Bonny spent the majority of her adult life as a Special Education teacher at Winston Churchill High School, her dream to open her own cafe started in her hometown of Saskatoon when she was just three years of age. Her dream came true in 2004 when Bonny and her husband, Malcolm, purchased the Wallace Block on 5th Street South (historic Round Street). Not only do they own the building and operate a successful cafe, they also live upstairs in their beautifully restored, loft-style home.

The Round Street Cafe has been a popular destination from the day it opened. The home-baked food is excellent and the atmosphere is relaxing. The baked goods are made fresh each morning and the homemade soups and sandwiches are incredibly tasty. There's even an option for a 1/2 sandwich if you aren't in the mood for a full lunch. The list of regular customers continues to expand, however the friendly, welcoming service has remained constant. It's definitely a place where friends meet.

Bonny credits much of her success to the help of local coffee expert, Al Anctil (Cupper's Coffee & Tea). Al has provided her with great advice, state-of-the-art brewing equipment and, best of all, flavorful, aromatic, locally-roasted coffee that keeps her customers satisfied.

So, if you're looking for a great place to meet while enjoying home-made soups, flavorful coffee, sandwiches, pies, desserts and wireless internet ... make sure to stop in at the Round Street Cafe - 427 - 5th Street South. Phone (403) 381-8605. Check out their menu at www.muchmenus.com.