BDNMB.CA always attempts to find local and regional “HIDDEN GEMS” and today we made the trip to Alexander, about a 20-minute drive from Brandon, to visit the people at Dundee Designs. Now, this is not a new business by any means and according to Shirley Lloyd-Davies she has taken what was originally a hobby and grew it into a thriving business. They have been working out of their current building since roughly 2002. “We are always evolving to keep things new and fresh like our Dundee Design Nights where people can design layered art and family calendars” said Shirley. Coming up with new ideas and concepts help keep her and husband Kelly very busy. Currently Dundee is in the process of designing their trade show booth to get ready for a big show in Toronto. According to Davies “very few Canadian made companies exist at these trade shows and the event organizer is excited to see companies such as ours”. One item Dundee specializes in is their custom metal signs and house numbers. For example, the Brandon Wheat Kings sign posted below is made up entirely inside their facility. And the prices are more than reasonable as well. To see samples of all their signs, click this link. The store has almost everything for a person looking to upgrade their home with small items, to larger items, that can’t be found in any box store. Without a doubt this is an amazing shopping destination located very close to Brandon. Best of luck to Shirley, Kelly and their daughter Teal. >

In the past few months bdnmb.ca has introduced you to numerous businesses (Chez Angela Bakery & Cafe, Shawarma Queen Kebab House, Chocolate Dreams) who will be setting up shop in downtown Brandon in the next several months. Now, you can add one more name to the list. Paradise Island Curry House Bar & Grill, located at 935 Rosser Avenue, hope to open their new dining experience in the next 30-45 days. Chef Ajay Pal tells bndmb.ca that the new restaurant will be serving a variety of authentic East Indian food and Mauritian cuisine, with an emphasis on the East Indian offering. For for the past 10 years, chef Ajay has been working in many Brandon restaurants including Joe Beeverz, Blu, and Chilli Chutney.

Sears Canada Inc. ("Sears Canada", or the "Company") today announced that it and certain of its subsidiaries (the "Sears Canada Group") will be applying to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) (the "Court") for approval to liquidate all of its remaining stores and assets. It is expected the Court will hear the motion on October 13, 2017. Pending approval of the Court, it is expected that liquidation sales at retail locations would commence no earlier than October 19 and continue for 10 to 14 weeks. Further details regarding the liquidation will be communicated in due course. Sears Canada was granted an Initial Order and protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act ("CCAA") on June 22, 2017. It subsequently received the Court's approval of a sale and investment solicitation process (SISP) to seek out proposals for the acquisition of, or investment in, the Sears Canada Group's business, assets and/or leases, and to implement one or a combination of proposals. Sears Canada received and implemented going concern transactions for various lines of business, but following exhaustive efforts, no viable transaction for the Company to continue as a going concern was received. Accordingly, Sears Canada, with the recommendation of its advisors and approval of the Monitor, FTI Consulting Inc., is seeking an order to commence a liquidation that would result in a wind-down of its business following Court approval. The Company deeply regrets this pending outcome and the resulting loss of jobs and store closures.

Just 4 Kidz, located at 1608 Park Ave, is about a week away from opening and Darcy Willey can't wait to showoff the newly updated facility to the public. Darcy tells bdnmb.ca that they have been working feverishly to complete the upgrades and have made countless improvements and enhancements to the overall customer experience. The entire building was cleaned from head to toe, a new play structure has been installed, new laser tag equipment has arrived, and a new 9-hole glow in the dark mini golf course has been shipped and should arrive in time for their opening on Saturday, October the 14th. Inside the new laser tag area they have made many changes including additional barriers and infrared cameras which will allow people/players to watch games on a big screen and keep track. Just4Kidz is certain to become the perfect place to party with your team, family or friends in one of their three large party rooms. In addition to the previously mentioned mini golf and play structure, the 11,000 square foot space also incorporates 2,200 square feet for laser tag, giant inflatable bouncers and a seating area for those parents who need to take a break. Hungry, then try out a wide variety of options from the Kidz Kafe. Contact them at 717-KIDZ (5439). Check out their Facebook page here.

Several new signs have popped up in city storefronts indicating that these retail spaces will soon be occupied by new tenants. The revitalization of downtown continues as the area is about to be the home to a new restaurant, Shawarma Queen Kebab House. A sign in the window at 908 Rosser Ave hints that the business will be opening soon. Shawarma refers to either beef, lamb, turkey, chicken, or a mixed combination are placed on a spit and often grilled for as long as a day. Usually served as a kebob, sandwich or wrap. Over in the west end, it appears as though a Flamingo Vape Shop is set to move into the location at 2637 Victoria Avenue.  According to their web site they carry a wide selection of eliquid, ejuice, authentic mods, and vaping accessories. Currently they have two locations in Winnipeg.