This is the fourth in a series showcasing some of the unique fashion boutiques in downtown Sidney.
“We strive to be different,” says Kim Bremner, the owner of three retail establishments, one of which is Bubba Loo Children’s Boutique on Beacon Avenue. “Our focus is on old-school customer service, but that isn’t all it takes to have a successful store these days. We know we can’t be everything to everyone, so we have developed a business that caters to gift-giving from the grandparent.” Bubba Loo does this very well, and the majority of their merchandise is unique to the region and even Canada. “Importing our goods ensures that we have truly unique product, so when a gift is given you’ll be sure the receiver won’t be receiving duplicates.” However, if there should be a need to exchange, Bubba Loo offers a very flexible return policy. “It’s our job to take care of you!” says Kim proudly.
This philosophy was carried over from Kim’s husband’s store down the street, d.g.bremner & co. “We built our menswear store on service. We started with a dream of being known as the great shirt store, but that has evolved over the past 14 years into a luxury men’s clothing boutique offering shoes, pants, jeans and sweaters – still with a focus on fabulous shirts.” Late last year Kim and her husband, David, opened another menswear store in downtown Victoria on Broughton Street.
The ladies at Bubba Loo have a variety of experience and background, but come together to make up a wonderful team, with truly the best interest of their customers at heart. “We spend so much time with the merchandise, we just want to offer honest suggestions to those that come in,” says Kim about her staff, Mary and Susan.
Bubba Loo specializes in timeless heirloom gifts as well as unique and whimsical clothing for children six years and under. “There is a special place in my heart for the preemie collection because I was a preemie myself,” admits Kim with a blush. “We like to offer thematic options, for example there is a beautiful muslin swaddle blanket to coordinate with the sleep-sheep newborn set.” It would not be difficult to put together a beautiful gift package for any expectant Mom with all of these choices. And they offer complimentary gift wrapping too … just in case you happen to be on your way to the shower.
But it’s not all just about the babies. If you think that cute boys’ clothes are hard to find, you must discover Bubba Loo and their interactive T-shirts! A variety of popular, yet classic, themes from dinosaurs to motorcycles are part of this winter’s collection from Le Top. Their other major clothing supplier, Jo Jo Bébé, does a full cotton lining under their embroidered T-shirts so you don’t have to worry about itchy stitching irritating your little loved one’s skin. These are the kinds of details the ladies at Bubba Loo are proud to point out.
If you’re looking for something really impressive for a little girl, you must see the Dream Coat from Bunnies By The Bay. This amazingly plush coat comes with hat and muff to match, in a box that looks like a book, but I won’t tell you what the story is inside. Just pop in and discover it for yourself, and bring a tissue.
The philosophy of service carries from the front lines to behind the scenes. “We do a large amount of business with a small number of suppliers, therefore we have great relationships with the brands we work with. They understand it’s essential to the success of our business to keep our product exclusive.” Stock arrives throughout the season, replenishing popular styles and sizes, and twice a year they put select clothing items on sale. “Children’s wear for us is not about what’s popular on TV or in the movies” says Kim, “so we have less of a need to clear out merchandise at the end of the season. We buy inventory that we would be proud to give as gifts ourselves, today or a year from now.”
Next time you’re shopping for a gift for a little one, a baby shower or special occasion (such as Valentine’s day), stop in at Bubba Loo and let one of the ladies give you a tour. You might just enjoy some pleasant conversation, or find a little something for your little loved one.
