Adding an extra 1,000 sq. ft. of space to one of the River Market shops at the Quay has proven to be a smart business move.
Jenny Cashin, owner of Mid-Century Modern HOME, told the Record that since sister store MCM HOME Decor opened across the hall in February, sales have significantly increased.
"By finally giving this stuff the righteous space it deserves, to be displayed and to be appreciated, we've definitely noticed things moving faster off the shelves," she said.
MCM HOME has called the Quay home for more than two years, specializing in restoring and selling Danish-modern furniture - from a 1950s Hans Wegner oak and teak dresser, to a reclining Arne Vodder chair.
And like most collections, Cashin's grew, becoming the largest collection of its kind in Metro Vancouver.
"I've bought so much fabulous decor over the years that I wanted the sister store for just that reason - for the lighting, for the art pieces and everything in between, " she said.
Cashin has even dedicated a whole wall to bar wares, in an effort to bring back cocktail hour.
"It seems everyone's so busy with their lives. By the time they get home at the end of the day, they still don't stop. Cocktail hour is about taking the time to sit down with the adults and just appreciate the moment," she said.
There is a wide price range - a set of four glasses goes for $36, and a heavy bottom scotch decanter for $115.
The boutique also features a colourful display of hand-crafted art glass in the entryway. From Canadian chalet to English whitefriar, Cashin boasts there's something for everyone.
"We've put blue dots on all items under $100. That way, it's easier for people to spot and avoid not looking at anything else, if say, they see something for a few hundred dollars," she said. "A lot of times, people will buy the vases just to have the pop of colour, not actually to use it for flowers."
Overhead, there's a variety of lighting fixtures, including a double-headed rocket booster (similar to what could be found in the Jetson's living room). There's also a falcon phone from the '60s that hangs up when you set it down, as well as the old school orange Tupperware with the clear lids.
"It's such a memory jolt for many who come through. They'll say, "Wow, it' so familiar, we used to have this,'" Cashin said. "Some will spend hours in here, just looking at everything."
And if you're worried about quality, don't be, she added. Everything is in "super mint condition."
"We try to get only top-notch items that are near perfect, not something that will have its paint come off in the dishwasher."
To further expand the business and reach the international market, Cashin has put some of the higher-end items on eBay. One collector from Florida recently picked up a Holmegaard vase for $375.
To attract the younger generation, she's also hired a social media guru to run the company website and monitor accounts like Instagram.
MCM HOME and MCM Decor are located at 101 and 106 810 Quayside Dr.
