Scott Ross-Molyneux and his wife Allison Iriye embrace horror (the fictional kind, that is), and are now sharing their love of the genre through Nocturne Books, a new horror and dark fiction bookstore in Marda Loop.

Located on the lower level of The Shops at Avenue 34, Nocturne offers a curated selection of dark fiction books spanning genres such as sci-fi, thriller, fantasy, speculative fiction and more. Ross-Molyneux and Iriye define dark fiction as an “overarching category of literature that involves themes that may generally disturb, frighten, and/or unsettle.”

Ross-Molyneux says he and Iriye (who is an avid horror reader) were always disappointed in the selection of books at big box retailers. That, coupled with inspiration from Slow Burn Books, a successful romance bookstore just doors away from Nocturne’s storefront, convinced the pair to open their own genre-specific, brick-and-mortar store.

“In this day and age, it’s just really refreshing to walk in, buy a book and then it’s yours,” says Ross-Molyneux.

Since opening Nocturne at the end of November, Ross-Molyneux has been happily surprised by the reception from shoppers, which has echoed the pair’s thoughts about the lack of a one-stop shop for horror book readers.

“I was blown away on the opening weekend [by] just how many people came in and said the exact same thing, which is, ‘I go to a bunch of other stores, can never find the book I want, the horror section is so small,'” says Ross-Molyneux. “It’s been kind of like deja vu, hearing that over and over again.”

Nocturne Books also has a consignment program that will showcase local and lesser-known authors’ works on its shelves. Ross-Molyneux is still putting it together (literally, he is building the bookshelf for the consigned books).

Naturally, we asked Ross-Molyneux for some book recommendations. He recently read and recommends Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman, a haunted house story told from the perspective of an eight-year-old girl, and Root Rot by Saskia Nislow, a horror story told from the perspective of nine different children visiting their grandfather’s lake house.

Nocturne Books, 15, 1934 34 Ave. S.W., 587-443-3336, nocturnebooks.ca

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If you love a great antique find, this (sort of) new pop-up has arrived in Calgary.

Wu & McHugh is a vintage wholesaler in Calgary that focuses on curated furniture and home decor pieces from China. Originally started by owners John McHugh and Miki Wu as a brick-and-mortar store in 2014, Wu & McHugh shut its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic and shifted to an online wholesale business model.

But until the end of January 2026, Calgarians can shop Wu & McHugh’s stunning collection and experience the vintage store in-person again at its new pop-up shopping experience at Lake Bonavista Promenade.

The pop-up features a variety of pieces from China that were curated by Wu herself, and is mostly focused on items like vintage elm benches, elm stools and unused pickle and soy sauce pots, as well as a few other decor items. A larger selection of pieces can still be found online.

During the pop-up, all items are on sale for 50 to 80 per cent off. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday, but appointments can be booked outside of operating hours.

The pop-up store is located at unit 169, 755 Lake Bonavista Dr. S.E., 403-710-9885, wuandmchugh.com

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Originally hailing from Vancouver Island, Anián is a clothing brand that embraces slow fashion by using recycled textiles to create its apparel. Calgarians can now learn more and experience the brand firsthand at the company’s first Calgary store on 17th Avenue S.W.

The brand’s name comes from the Straight of Anián, a waterway that was believed to exist in the Pacific Northwest that helped push exploration and connect the world. In that same way, Anián embraces new ideas to help push the fashion industry forward.

The new store, which opened in summer 2025, is the brand’s first brick-and-mortar location outside of B.C. It’s also a full-circle moment for Anián owner Paul Long, whose hometown is Calgary. The new store is designed after a Pacific Northwest cabin, with warm woods and natural textures throughout.

Made in Canada, Anián’s clothing is inspired by time spent in nature and created with the guiding principle of sustainability in mind. Part of that vision means making clothing that is built to last and can be worn for years to come, thus stopping extra clothing from reaching landfills.

The other part of Anián’s sustainability model is diverting textile waste (over 900,000 pounds since the brand started in 2013) from landfills by recycling worn out clothing and fabrics and turning them into new fabric that can be reused in its clothing. The brand has also worked with organizations like Ocean Legacy Foundation to turn old oyster farming trays into the buttons used on its clothing.

From that reclaimed fabric, Anián offers timeless and classic clothes — think wool and cotton flannel shirts, t-shirts and sweaters for men and women. The store also offers items like blankets, socks, headwear and more.

With the opening of the new location, Calgarians have a new way to help support a more sustainable fashion industry (and look stylish while doing it).

825 17 Ave. S.W., 587-885-3874, anianmfg.com

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Since 2023, Lylas Jewelry has offered bespoke pieces and hands-on workshops out of Café 417, a collaborative Calgary space that once housed four local businesses. In early August, 2025, Lylas moved into the historic Devenish building on 17th Avenue S.W.

Founder Rolene Mai says the community feel of their old space remains thanks to the Devenish’s shared hallway connecting independent local storefronts. “It makes entrepreneurship a lot less lonely,” she laughs.

Lylas creates jewellery for a breadth of occasions, from modern everyday pieces to custom engagement and wedding rings. Each piece of bespoke fine jewellery is custom-made by master bench jewellers, with over 90 per cent of the work done locally in Calgary.

One of its signature offerings are Morse coded rings, which are encrusted with recycled natural diamonds to spell out secret messages. For those looking for a more everyday piece, the shop’s permanent bracelets are custom-fitted and “zapped” in-store to weld the band together for a dainty, long-lasting piece.

Lylas Jewelry also hosts ring-making workshops led by Mai, plus a drop-in DIY option where you can create a piece at your convenience. Using a process called casting, customers carve their ring design out of wax, which is then transformed into sterling silver or gold, polished and ready for pickup within a few weeks.

“A lot of people don’t realize that they can create something so beautiful by themselves,” says Mai.

She envisions Lylas as both a jewellery shop and a gathering space for celebrations, with plush couches throughout the store and the interactive workshops fostering that atmosphere.

“Instead of just having a product, you’re sharing an experience with others,” Mai says.

112, 908 17 Ave. S.W., lylasjewelry.com

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“Behind every product is a person.”

This is Faire Living’s core belief, a sentiment that guides the home goods store’s commitment to beautiful, ethically-made and artisan-crafted products.

After four and a half years in Qualicum Beach, B.C., this mother-daughter-owned business is starting a new chapter in Calgary. Owners Rebekah and Catherine Robertson have settled the new store in Inglewood, drawn to the neighbourhood’s vibrant community of independent businesses.

Housed in the historic Rutherford Building that dates back to 1901, Faire Living is a one-stop lifestyle shop for naturally dyed fashion, handwoven textiles, small-batch porcelain tableware, nursery goods and more.

Faire Living began as a 450-square-foot shop in B.C., originally focused on handmade accessories, jewellery and self-care items. As demand for meaningful home goods grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, the store expanded into curated homeware, art and a now substantial nursery line. It also eventually launched a sister shop, Known Origin, for slow fashion.

Now, for the first time, all three collections — Faire Living Home, Known Origin Womenswear and Faire Nursery — are under one roof.

Rebekah and Catherine understand the potential for connection that lies in every handmade good. They previously worked in bridal accessory design for internationally recognized shows, including New York, London and Shanghai Fashion Weeks. Their background as makers informs their belief that transparency in production is not only ethical but also fosters more meaningful purchases.

“I think when you have that connection, as the purchaser it gives you the opportunity to really cherish the products a bit more,” Rebekah says.

For Rebekah and Catherine, fair practices are rooted in transparency. Featured alongside their store on Pamela Anderson’s TV Show, Garden of Eden, their commissioned collection of handwoven atta grass purses take six to eight weeks to make. The purses are crafted by Indonesian grandmothers in between caring for children, providing an important source of additional income to their communities.

“We make sure we get every detail we can about the production. That can be a very long, very time consuming back and forth between us and the brands,” says Rebekah, “It’s not just about supporting artisan craft. It’s about supporting the artisans as humans.”

1226 9 Ave. S.E., faireliving.com

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King Living 

Blending comfort with timeless design, King Living features luxurious leather and fabric sofas, as well as an extensive selection of designer furniture. With a showroom in Southcentre Mall that opened last summer, this award-winning Australian brand features modern and minimalist products that will enhance your space. From outdoor furniture like sun lounges and patio umbrellas to table and floor lamps, this shop has what you need to create the perfect ambience for your home.

100 Anderson Rd. S.E., 1-877-546-0931, kingliving.ca

Maude Kids Decor

Arriving in Mission in December 2024, this Scandinavian-inspired store features a curated selection of children’s home decor and furnishings from vendors around the world. There are toys, clothing and other essential items like strollers and nursery bedding sets. The shop also offers some cozy items for adults like quilted tote bags and felt bowls.

1812 4 St. S.W., 403-270-2807, maudekids.com

Zwilling 

Zwilling, which also has a location in CrossIron Mills, recently opened a new store in CF Market Mall this past February. A one-stop destination for kitchenware, the shop carries several brands from around the world like Staub and Ballarini that boast quality craftsmanship and premium materials for your culinary needs. Zwilling has it all, from cookware sets (ceramic, aluminum or stainless steel) and kitchen appliances to a variety of tableware and utensils.

3625 Shaganappi Tr. N.W., 403-452-3178, zwilling.com

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Ever since Jennifer Forrest took the leap of purchasing the e-commerce brand Maude Kids Decor back in 2021, she always envisioned opening a retail storefront.

“I was pretty particular about where I wanted it to be and I really wanted it to be in Mission,” Forrest says.

In December 2024, this came to fruition as Maude Kids Decor opened its doors with a collection of whimsical items for family homes. The Scandinavian-inspired store is a treasure trove of children’s home decor, toys, clothing, furniture and other cozy items curated from vendors around the world.

“Imaginative play is a big focus when I’m making selections on the toys,” says Forrest, who sources items that are suitable for newborns to children up to eight years old.

While the majority of the products are catered towards children, adults can also find something for themselves like a quilted tote bag or beautiful felted bowls and seat cushions. By focusing on quality, functionality and design, the store ensures its products are not only useful, but also complementary with many parents’ home design choices.

“If you’re gonna be tripping over kid items in your home for a number of years, it could at least complement your home and look nice,” says Forrest.

101, 1812 4 St. S.W., 403-270-2807, maudekids.com

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If you walk around Calgary on a chilly day, chances are you’ll see someone sporting one of Camp Brand Goods‘ cozy sweaters.

For years, the popular local apparel brand could be found at The Livery Shop along with Calgary jewellery brand CoutuKitsch. While The Livery Shop officially closed its doors in May, it marked the start of a new chapter for Camp Brand Goods.

The apparel company has turned The Livery Shop’s former space in Inglewood into CampLand, a new storefront dedicated to Camp Brand Goods’ line of outdoors-inspired apparel and accessories. Shoppers will also find brands like Patagonia and Cotopaxi, as well as camping and outdoor-related items like colourful lawn chairs, water bottles and lunch boxes. The shop also carries lifestyle products like candles, soaps and dog toys.

Those looking for a snack to take on their next adventure should check out the commissary wall, which is stocked with items like popcorn, instant coffee, non-alcoholic drinks and tins of seafood like spicy mussels or roasted garlic mackerel.

And of course, no visit to CampLand would be complete without swinging around the back of the store to see Made by Marcus‘ new ice cream window. Complete with a dog-friendly patio, the seasonal location carries all the creative flavours Calgarians know and love.

1119 10 Ave. S.E., campbrandgoods.com

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If you love to shop local, you’re in luck — there’s a new destination where you can support local makers in Calgary.

Shop Makers is a new store that exclusively sells products from local makers, vendors and artisans. Buying from Shop Makers directly benefits the vendors, who receive 100 per cent of the sales. Vendors rent out space in the store to sell their goods for a set membership fee, and in exchange, they retain all revenue from the sale of its products.

Since starting out in Vancouver, B.C. in 2020, Shop Makers has expanded to 12 stores across the country, including in Ontario, Alberta and additional areas of B.C. In that time, the stores have generated more than $17 million dollars in sales for its artisans.

Shop Makers’ new Southcentre Mall location marks the company’s first Calgary store and its second in Alberta (there’s also a store in Edmonton). The Calgary store features products from more than 70 local artisans, including Calgary brands like Club Fawn, Misiyo Candle Co, Antler and Ace, Wavy Baby Designs, Your Local Plant Mami and more.

Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Rd. S.E., shopmakers.ca, @shopmakers.ca

[Note: This story previously stated that vendors receive 100 per cent of the profits when a product is sold. It has been corrected to reflect that they receive 100 per cent of the sales.]

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Homeowners and businesses regularly bring on Mera Studio Architects to redesign their spaces. Now, with the launch of the Calgary interior design and architecture studio’s new store in Inglewood, Calgarians can easily incorporate some of the firm’s style and favourite finds into their spaces on their own.

Mera Studio Architects owners Meghan Bannon and Tara Marshall are behind Very Very Shop, which was named after a descriptor the pair commonly finds themselves using — as in, that couch is “very very …” The store aims to make it simple to find a variety of home decor items, sourced with Bannon and Marshall’s personal design style in mind.

“When something is that much more [unique] or hard to describe, you need that added emphasis [of very very],” says Bannon. “That’s how we feel about the products in the store.”

“We’ve always had a really strong love of decor,” says Marshall. “But we felt that the aesthetic that we have in our firm, locally, or even in Canada, it was hard to find the kind of products we were looking for.” Marshall describes Mera’s style as modern with mid-century undertones, using lots of organic textures and rich neutral tones and colours.

In Very Very Shop, you’ll find a selection of locally and internationally sourced home goods that Bannon and Marshall have come across through Mera. From artwork, ceramics and sculptures to kitchenware, lighting and cupboard handles, there are a wide range of pieces at the shop, and the team is always sourcing more.

The team has even worked with businesses to create custom pieces, such as the Mera Sound Sconce, a design-forward speaker system with integrated lighting that Bannon and Marshall collaborated with Leon Speakers to create.

Because Very Very Shop is located inside a working architecture firm, the doors are currently open to the public on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but appointments are also available during the week. Products can also be purchased online.

Inside Mera Studio Architects, B001, 1215 13 St. S.E., 403-453-3678, veryveryshop.com

[Note: A previous version of this story listed the wrong last name for Tara Marshall. The story has been updated.]

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