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| Fred and Esther
Paasolainen began their business Country Seed Planters in 1989. They began by selling Nygard
Clothing via Home Parties and soon more was added. An existing second hand
clothing store on Grenville Avenue was purchased, new and seconds clothing lines
were soon added, as well as gifts and local crafts.
Near the end of
1989, they expanded into Fruit and Gift Baskets.
After 5 years on
Grenville Avenue, they sold the store fixings of the second hand shop and moved
their basket business into their home on Adams Street.
1994 saw the opening
of their Bed & Breakfast in the second story of their home and promotion of
this new venture on the Internet.
The Internet not
only made the B&B known throughout the world but also increased the Basket
business. Web sites were created and due to the international nature of this
change, they were no longer able to sell merely from binders and catalogues.
Fred came up with the idea to turn the living room into a shop to display the
wide array of gifts and goodies, so when the calls for baskets came in, Esther
could easily stroll through the premises, describing exactly what each basket
would contain to the customer. During special occasions such as Valentine’s
day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas the dining room now
doubles as the "seasonal" area, displaying beautiful gift items for
each occasion or season.
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In 2001 the quest
for spices and food products for gift baskets led them to "Mom’s
Pantry", whose products were (and are) sensational and a wonderful value
for your dollar. Now not only are they key ingredients for their various gift
baskets, they are offered as part of the continental breakfast of muffins, tea
biscuits, cinnamon buns and croissants offered to their Bed and Breakfast
guests. Mom’s Pantry is also a wonderful fundraising option and many, many
sporting and volunteer groups in and around Thunder Bay, take advantage of the
quality products and exceptional program.
With the multitude
of business ventures in Fred and Esther's portfolio, on June 1, 2007 they became
"paasolainen.com". Country Seed Planters' internet presence became
Paasolainen's on-line General Store. Still the same quality and
reliability just a coming together of all the businesses under one umbrella.
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IMPORTANT UPDATE
As
of October 1st 2008 our shop will be closed and you will only be able
to find our products for sale at "Craft Shows and Fairs"or on our
website at www.paasolainen.com.
We will still be offering Thunder Bay and area fundraising options and of course Mom's Pantry Products.
Fred and Esther have
thoroughly enjoyed the myriad of people they have met through their business
ventures and look forward to serving their valued customers, new and old, for
many years to come via our new venues.
Please join our mailing
list, to be the first to receive information on special events and offers,
online, and just what we are up to. Click the mailbox.
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