Downtown Evolves with new store

Leanne Komaryk has owned her store for the past six years, but she was still nervous when it came time to open Evolve, Revelstoke’s newest downtown business.

“I was super scared this morning,” she said on her opening day last Friday. “I almost didn’t want to open the door because I wasn’t sure. I’m glad I did now and it feels right.”

Komaryk opened Evolve, a home decor and gifts store, at the corner of First and Mackenzie last Friday, just in time for Moonlight Madness.

This is her second retail venture. Komaryk acquired Sicamous Dollar or More six years ago but Evolve is the first time she has opened her own business.

“It’s a bit scary,” she admitted. “Fun, but a lot more involved than I had originally anticipated.”

Komaryk first decided to open a business in Revelstoke a little more than a year ago when she came here to go shopping on Moonlight Madness. She said she fell in love with Revelstoke that day.

“I hadn’t spent a lot of time here but I liked the feel of it here,” she said. “I love the downtown and when I saw this spot, I couldn’t say no.”

She also noted Revelstoke’s year-round life, as opposed to the more seasonal nature of doing business in Sicamous. “Every time I come here there’s life, there’s energy here.”

She expressed surprise at the fact the storefront at First and Mackenzie remained vacant for as long as it did, and she gladly took over the space in October.

To get it ready for opening, the hardwood floors were re-done and the walls were painted.

With its hardwood floors and brick walls, the store has a rustic feel that matches the home decor and gift items it sells. Amongst the items the store carries, Komaryk pointed out the animal hats by SpiritHoods. Ten per cent of all proceeds from the sales of SpiritHoods go to protect endangered species.

“I find in small towns you have to have a wide variety of items,” she said, adding that she’s open to suggestions. “I’m hoping that we brought in stuff that Revelstoke is looking for, but I’m still open to changing it up,” she said.

Komaryk said she has spent the past six months talking to other business owners to get an understanding of doing business in Revelstoke. She is the vice-president of the Sicamous Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Revelstoke chamber.

She was excited about the initial response to Evolve, saying 50 people came in during her first three hours open. More people browsed through the store during the interview.

“I’m super excited. It’s like they’ve been waiting for a gift and home decor store,” she said. “I want to cater to the locals. It’s not just for tourists. I want to find out what they like.”

Evolve will be open Monday to Thursday, and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Friday it will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.