“I can’t be the only person that has tried to find a gift basket and has struck out.”
Sault Ste. Marie business owner Angela Charbonneau started gift basket making about 18 months ago out of her husband’s office after struggling to find a suitable ‘thank you’ gift for her friend.
“I don’t really do anything just a little bit,” she said, “So I think my husband knew pretty quickly that it was not going to just be a side thing.”
With an office packed full of orders and a website on the way, the Charbonneaus realized it was time to expand.
Six months ago they obtained a storefront at 253 Trunk Rd., and have spent a lot of time renovating it to make it a special space.
“We still had other jobs, and then we were coming here in the evenings and working,” Charbonneau said. “It really was quite challenging. I wouldn’t change it though.”
Northern Baskets Plus opened in time for a very busy holiday season and have continued to expand their operation ever since.
Currently, they are working hard to fill the shelves with Easter-themed baskets full of sweets and treats for both kids and adults. Additionally, Charbonneau is planning an ‘Easter Hunt for Savings’ where guests can find eggs hidden around the store for discounts or free candy.
Northern Baskets Plus differs from other gift basket companies due to its sheer scale of custom options. The store offers gift baskets for any occasion, any age and any budget, including larger orders for corporate gifting options. They are also liquor licensed if customers are interested in including an alcoholic element.
“We do custom, which is a big thing people love. They’ll call us with a budget and an idea, and then we’ll go shopping and source products, and put together something special that’s geared just to them,” Charbonneau said.
Supporting local is important to Charbonneau and something she hopes to continue with the attached gift shop, The Forest Garden Store. It carries primarily local products from over 50 vendors so far, with more being added every week. By the time it is full, she hopes to have 80-100 vendors in the gift shop.
“I feel this really strong pull to do this, and to give that space to local people to sell their products outside of the markets and vendor shows,” she said. “Now they’ll have a space where they can sell year round.”
The support for Sault Ste. Marie locals doesn’t stop at small businesses. Charbonneau has donated to several charities since the shop’s opening. Eventually she hopes to help other members of the community with programs specific to those with injuries or illnesses that could use a gift to lift their spirits.
“I suffered a major injury many years ago, that kind of pulled me out of my career,” she said. “So for me, opening a business…It’s something I never thought I could have after everything I had been through.”
Charbonneau has worked hard to get this labour of love off the ground, and only hopes to continue to build something that everyone in Sault Ste. Marie can enjoy.
“There’s an energy in here. It’s so warm, and welcoming, and inviting and special, and that just makes me so happy.”
Northern Baskets Plus ships all over Canada, and offers delivery options from Bruce Mines to Wawa, Ont.
If you’re an individual that is interested in getting your work added to the Northern Baskets Plus gift shop, reach out here.