The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31
October 8, 2010
New owners at The Book Bar By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff The Book Bar in Invermere is under new ownership, with the third generation of the Delasalle family taking over the running of the downtown stationery, gift and book store. The new owners, Joshua Delasalle Foy and his business partner James Lazarus, are both experienced retailers, running a business together in Quebec before moving to Invermere. It’s a return home for Joshua — whose grandfather Henry Delasalle opened the first department store in town — and a new adventure for James, who fell in love with the town when he first visited last December. “We’ve been best friends going on 27 years,” James said. “We set up and ran a successful business in Montreal and just work well together. Our strengths really compliment each other.” After selling their Quebec business, three weeks later Joshua received the phone call that led them to the valley. His mother, Mary-Lou, had been running The Book Bar for years and was ready for a change. James and Joshua visited at the end of last year and then jumped in with both feet, signing the papers and receiving the keys to the store in April.
“Retail’s has been in my blood since I was 20,” Joshua explained. “It’s what I’m good at, and my family has been here for generations, so this move just seemed like a natural fit.” The duo have hit the ground running, with a steady summer of business. They have added a few personal touches, mixing in some favourite books and new gifts and cards, but are keen to emphasize that core of The Book Bar will remain the same. One change has been an expansion of the range of magazines available, going from around 600 titles up to 1,000. Another important area for James and Joshua is a larger range of office and art supplies, which have steadily increased since they took over in April. They have also added a full range of Cuban cigars. “For this first year we are concentrating on the workings of the store and getting to know our customers,” Joshua explained. “We really want to serve the local community more and want to reach out to them to come in and talk to us, tell us what they want to see.” As for the name, James and Joshua see it as a natural progression, one of the subtle changes they are bringing in to move the business forward. “We certainly don’t want to take away from Dave and the amazing work he did,” James said. “But it’s nice to put our little personal touch as well.”
BUSINESS AS USUAL — James Lazarus (left) and Joshua Delasalle Foy are making their mark as the new owners of The Book Bar in Invermere. The pair are expanding the goods offered at the store and encourage the community to give feedback. Photo by Kate Irwin
THANK YOU!
NEW LISTING 4261 TOBY CREEK RD
The Friends of Kootenay National Park would sincerely like to thank our major sponsors, draw prize contributors, participants, and the wonderful volunteers in assisting to make The 3rd Annual Headbanger Trail Challenge another successful fundraising event. Your contribution and support made for a great day!
$955,000
$100,000 below assessed value! Amazing home and views with 9.75 acres of land! K196671
OPEN HOUSE 4441 CEDAR BAY Columbia Ridge Estates
$399,000 + HST Beautifully constructed and finished home at this price - Come take a look!
Saturday 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Sunday 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm
For a full information package contact Paul or Sean Roggeman: theroggemans@rockieswest.com • 250-341-5445
ROCKIES WEST REALTY Independently Owned and Operated, Brokerage
3rd Annual
MAJOR SPONSORS • Radium Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce • Kootenay Savings Credit Union
• • • •
Bighorn Meadows • Canadian Rockies Hot Springs Nanofibre Networks • Radium Resort Ltd. Crazy Soles New Balance
DRAW PRIZE CONTRIBUTORS • Back Country Jack’s Restaurant • Kootenay Savings Credit Union • Bare Hands Day Spa • La Cabina Restaurant • Bavin Glassworks • Max Helmer Construction • Melting Pot Eatery
• Crazy Soles • Meet on Higher Ground Coffee House • Friends of Kootenay Nature’s Gift & Book Store • Mountainside Market • Helna’s Stube Restaurant • Prestige Inns
• • • •
Horsethief Pub Radium Public Library Impact Magazine Radium Resort Ltd. – Springs Golf Course • Kootenay River Runners • Rockies Pizzeria
7556 Main St. E., Box 512 Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0
250-347-6525 • info@friendsofkootenay.ca • www.friendsofkootenay.ca