(Above Photo: Keywest Photo – Image by Design Inc)
Originally located at 830 Rosser Avenue, Ernest Lisle Christie founded Christie’s School Supply and Bookstore. In the 1940s, the business moved to the historic location at 705 Pacific Avenue, where they called home until the devastating fire in May 2018. Now almost 3 years since that tragic weekend, Christie’s is in their new home on 1300 Richmond Avenue East and this year marks a milestone of 140 years in business.
Christie’s has faced some interesting challenges over the past 10 years. In September 2011, Christie’s experienced a fire outside their historic building that damaged a part of the building which de-railed their 130th Anniversary celebrations. Fast forward to 2017 when Don Green sold the company to Travis Chastko and then in 2018, the fire happened. Having been through the experience of the 2011 fire, Don Green came back to take on the Project Management role and 19 months after the fire, the company moved into a new building. Three months after moving in, Covid19 hits and their plans for a Grand Opening celebration had to be cancelled. And still dealing with Covid, they are going ahead with their 140th year long celebration in a covid friendly environment.
And through all the years and changes, one thing remains the same.
“We’re focused on our customers and understanding their needs,” said Travis Chastko, Owner & General Manager for Christie’s Office Plus. “We’re always adapting to change and reacting to the current market trends, but we have always had loyal customers, a loyal community and dedicated employees.”
With ever-changing technology, online competitors plus the surge of home offices due to Covid, keeping up with the latest products is an important and difficult task.
“We are able to source from many vendors who keep up with the current technologies,” added Chastko. “We are always working together to source the best products, many of which are made here in Canada. We really are a one-stop-shop for many of our customers.”
Christie’s Office Plus is celebrating its 140th anniversary all year long and they want to celebrate with the community. Customers are encouraged to sign up through their website, www.christiesop.com to receive their emails for promotions. You can visit them for in store specials throughout the year and connect with them via social media for exclusive contests and giveaways.
