Upon entering the bright, airy interior of Fresh Laundry Co. in Calgary's Inglewood district, it doesn't take long to discover that the store carries a lot more than laundry-related goods. Besides a sexy selection of upscale laundry detergents and linen waters, this designer apothecary stocks a wide variety of body lotions and cleansers, candles, all-purpose cleaners, skincare soaps, oils and creams and grooming items for men line the shelves.
Ian Davies, who owns Fresh Laundry with his sister and business partner, Lisa Davies, says they selected the cryptic name deliberately. “We decided upon Fresh Laundry to create some mystique and make it more interesting and ambiguous. People have to question what we’re about and have to come in to find out,” he explains.
Ian says Fresh Laundry carries about 20 brands from around the world including products from Australia, Canada, France, Sweden and the United States. “We always make sure companies have a really great product and really great branding. They have to a have a fresh, clean look, but also look contemporary and modern,” says Ian of the criteria he uses to select products the store will carry.