ATHABASCA — For over two decades now, Boven’s Jewellery and Giftware has been a staple of the community, but it will soon be closing its doors.
It’s time, said owner Bernadine Boven, who bought the business and renamed it in 2001, to spend time with grandchildren and do other projects she hasn’t had time for, so everything is on sale, except the building which has already been sold.
“I always wanted to own my own business,” she said in an Oct. 20 interview. “I had never thought of owning a jewellery store until I started working part time in one and loved it and then she approached me one day and said she was ready to retire … and asked if I would be interested in buying it.”
Over the years the trends have changed she noticed, it went from everyone buying fine china and Hummel figurines to other interests that have come and gone.
“Over the years it's changed, consumers always want something new. We're always looking for something new, unique, different,” said Boven. “Back in the day when I took over people were still buying china and crystal sculptures, higher end type things and over the years that's changed, people have become more minimalist.”
But those minimalist things show up in places she never considered competition.
"It's harder now because all stores are carrying such a variety. You think you have something good, and the next guy has it, too,” she said. “You didn't see fashion jewellery in a grocery store years ago, you didn't see it in flower shops, you didn't see purses in the drugstores. Now you see everything in the stores.”
And in 21-and-a-half years Boven has weathered a lot.
“When COVID hit we were shut down. We were one of the businesses that were considered non-essential. We started to worry, not knowing what the future would bring," she said. “We knew that other businesses were taking that direction. So, we had no choice, we had so much stock and we were worried so we thought at least we could offer it that way.”
But it’s the interaction with customers, staff, even other business owners Boven feels she will miss the most.
“The kinds of celebrations I had with people, whether it be an engagement or an anniversary or someone's birthday, and I could be part of that and whoever the recipient was coming back and thanking you,” Boven said will continue to be among her cherished memories.
She may continue to sell for a while online, but not right away, she wants to focus on clearing out as much inventory as possible and take a break.
“Lots of things I haven't had time to do. I have grandchildren, a little bit of travel, volunteering projects. Probably sleep the first month,” she laughed. “There're no big, big plans other than just doing the things I haven't had time to do or commit to doing.”
She has no set closing date other than the new building owners take possession the end of November.
“(I) never really focused on selling the business because with the economy, it's not an easy business to sell so, it was more of a focus if I could get rid of the brick and mortar, I would worry about the stock and that's what's happening now,” she said. “The building has sold and so we're working over the next few weeks to try and clear out as much stock as we can.”
She does have some advice for people considering starting a business though – do your research.
“I've been through a lot of good times and a lot of bad times over the years with the economy and what's happening worldwide, and it can be a struggle at times,” said Boven. “Really do your research, talk to other business owners … use their experience to help build on what you want to do.”
For now, she’s hoping to see as many people as she can over the next couple of weeks before the doors close.
“Everyone loves a sale so I'm glad I can offer my stuff at a discount now and a lot of people are Christmas shopping (or) they can treat themselves. Everyone's watching their money.”
