New Arnprior, Ont. business looking to attract younger people, trendy business to town
New business owner Angie MacCrae believes she's brought something new to Arnprior that the bedroom community did not have before.
KOTi 28 is the latest business to find a home on the town's downtown strip.
The home decor store offers Scandinavian-inspired goods, which MacCrae believes fills a gap for the younger age demographic.
"I think young people are liking this new trend," the long time Arnprior resident and former school principal tells CTV News.
"It's a very minimalist trend that is very attractive right now to young families and young people."
Open and finding success since September, MacCrae believes more of what she is offering is needed to help the town 45 minutes west of downtown Ottawa thrive.
"I think we certainly are trending. I think we're bringing a little modern into Arnprior," she says.
"We would like to offer those items that they can find in Ottawa at some of the trendier stores here, right here in Arnprior."
Lindsay Wilson, Arnprior's marketing and economic development officer says the town's average age is older than the provincial average.
"As we see the new housing developments come in we're seeing newer families come to town which definitely brings down the age group," says Wilson.
She adds that while Arnprior is not trying to cater to a younger audience, the town is looking to expand its age diversity.
"We have introduced things like different social media channels that tend to bring in younger demographics also as a way to attract a younger audience to town."
Liam Racine runs John St Shop, a vintage clothing store that shares Arnprior's downtown strip with KOTi 28.
Catering to younger shoppers, Racine admits there is a group missing from Arnprior's age profile.
"We've got a lot of younger and then there's a lot of the older," he says.
"We need some younger families, like the 30-something families, 40-something families. That's kind of the gap in the town."
While Arnprior is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Ontario, there is a feeling more trending businesses would add to the town's longevity.
"I think it would also just help our town survive," says Racine.
"It's one thing to have younger generations, it's another thing to have them here and want to stay here. So the goal is that they come back and stay."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.