Feature: Ivory Lane Collective
While waiting for the young owner of Ivory Lane Collective, Amanda Carchidi, to finish up a transaction with a young bride and her friend, it was easy to see why she and Ivory Lane Collective have developed such a great reputation here in Sault Ste. Marie and Northern Ontario.
The genuine warmth and friendly demeanor she exhibited is what she and other retailers in the downtown core are noted for. I can tell she genuinely will go above and beyond for her customers. A little later during our meeting, Amanda had to politely excuse herself again being she was the only one working that day and this time it was to chat with a recent bride who had stopped by to visit and see what else was available at the store.
I was able to hear some of the friendly exchange and it is evident that clearly great relationships are formed when you shop at Ivory Lane Collective. In 2018, Amanda moved the business from their old location on Queen to their current location at 618 Queen Street East with a new and re-imagined vision for what I hesitate to call a bridal shop, because it is so much more!
The best way I can describe what your experience will be like is that it is unique, exciting, very personalized, and intimate. You don’t feel rushed and options are plentiful based on the variety and volume. As Amanda indicated, she wanted to bring a unique and more personal approach to wedding dress shopping to Northern Ontario but also be more than just bridal as evidenced by the other offerings they carry.
They aim to be a bridal shop but also more of a lifestyle shop carrying products that will make all of life’s moments memorable hence the wide variety of curated items they carry. Important occasions like getting married, purchasing your first home, having a baby are all milestone events and Ivory Lane Collective has purposely chosen to bring in items to help mark these special occasions.
Amanda also recognizes that self-care is equally important which is why you will also find items that are staff favourites in general but also for self-care. What a great concept for the Sault and Northern Ontario!
A quick peak at their very user friendly online store on their website at www.ivorylanecollective.com will show you exactly what I mean.
From women’s clothing, to curated baby items like crib sheets, baby shoes, soothers, hair accessories, head bands, jewellery, wedding planners, kitchen and bath items, multi-functional blankets, candles, bath products, cushions, lingerie, books and cards, rugs and mats, Sugarjoy candy and drink products, beautiful vases, just to name a few, you will soon see that they are way more than just bridal!
Of course, her bridal offerings are extensive and varied and based on what I saw, you will be sure to find the perfect dress for you. Take a peak at their website to see the lines she carries for wedding dresses as well as her online store which makes it a breeze to shop local!
Amanda is also very proud of the fact that the products they carry are ethically and sustainably made, environmentally friendly and she aims to focus on those Made or Designed in Canada as much as possible.
Bridal dress options are quite extensive and they can accommodate all kinds of looks – from modern to glamorous with a bohemian vibe to slightly edgy, they can do it all! On the website, you will also find some blogs written by Amanda that are quite helpful if you are planning a wedding!
For Moonlight Magic happening downtown on Thursday, November 18, stop by Ivory Lane Collective and enjoy 25 per cent off items at the front of the store (some exceptions may apply). They will also be having some Black Friday promotions at 8:00 a.m. so follow their social platforms to see what’s planned. (Black Friday falls on November 26.)
In addition, Amanda tells us that she is also taking part in Small Business Saturday which runs the Saturday after Black Friday. On November 27 there will be some pop up vendors invited to set up such as Simply Curated and Birdy Adornments who have confirmed their attendance. Please visit their website for tips on making your shopping experience the best it can be and for their Covid policies in place at the moment.
Keep in mind that bridal dress shopping is by appointment only which ensures required protocol can happen but also to ensure you of the personalized service you deserve for this important occasion. Their storefront hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday , Saturday and on Thursday, their hours are 12 noon to 8 p.m.
Ivory Lane Collective, located at 618 Queen Street East, can be reached at 705-942-3456. Ivory Lane Collective can’t wait to show you all of their favourite items and for the brides, the heart of what they do is inspired by their genuine love for weddings and their brides.
Let the team at Ivory Lane Collective offer you an experience unlike any other!