Things Engraved Opens New Location as Part of Rejuvenation Initiative

Things Engraved, a personalized gift store chain in Canada offering items that can be engraved, laser etched, embroidered, foil stamped, and more, recently opened a new location in the Square One shopping center in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. According to Shama Cunningham, communication specialist, the opening of this location is more than just a new storefront.

“What makes the new Square One store unique is the detail that went into creating a more informed gift-buying experience for our customers,” Cunningham states. She emphasizes that the store is about more than just engraving, it’s about gift personalization as a whole. The driving factor behind this initiative is a rejuvenation of the brand, which started earlier this year.

According to Cunningham, Things Engraved’s CEO, Shawn Brock, was brought on to help with the brand that has existed since 1982. The Square One store location was the first to open under his guidance, followed by the McAllister Place location in St. John, New Brunswick which opened in November. The company also relaunched its website this past summer. “We intend to deliver on our ‘unique and personal’ promise like never before,” says Brock.

“We’ve worked hard to create a cohesive store environment that exemplifies the direction we hope the company will take going forward, which is to be a one-stop shop for gifts and home décor for any occasion,” Cunningham continues. For example, the Square One store’s back wall has been redesigned with lifestyle photography, shelving is glass-etched with inspirational sayings, creative section headers and shelf talkers are present, and there is a display for locally made products from a local artisan.

To go with the opening of the Square One location, a grand opening event was held on October 13. Cunningham states that the Square One Grand Opening event had a cocktail party theme, complete with a bar and music, but in order to keep the event inclusive, there was no actual alcohol but rather blue mocktails that were designed for the occasion.

Image courtesy Things Engraved

Also part of the story is the company’s Locally Made Pop-Up Shop program, which according to Cunningham was initiated to bring more attention to the local craft artisans in different areas around Canada. “Makers can apply to be part of the program through our website and we match chosen applicants to a local Things Engraved store where their products will be sold in-shop,” she adds. 

“Up until now, we’ve largely stuck to traditional branding and marketing, in just about every sense of that phrase,” Brock finishes. “But going forward, we are going to expand our message and start tapping into action and emotion, aspiration and identity, in everything we do – including gift products.”

Image courtesy Things Engraved