In its 40th year in business, Dodd’s Furniture has decided to stake its claim to a part of northern Vancouver Island.
The company, which has stores in Victoria and Nanaimo, will have a grand opening April 1 for its store in Campbell River.
The 20,000-square-foot store is a former Sears location, which Dodd’s took over last year. Since then the family has put about $100,000 into a renovation to modify the interior and its attached warehouse.
“We are excited to make Campbell River part of the Dodd’s family. The community here has been very supportive and many have already been customers for years,” said founder Gordy Dodd.
With its new hires for the Campbell River store, Dodd’s total employee count has increased to 70. It has a fleet of 12 delivery trucks.
Dodd’s Furniture started in 1977 with a small store near Victoria’s downtown.
Peetz to make, sell CJ Special Lures
Victoria’s Peetz Outdoors has signed a deal that will allow it to manufacture and sell lure products developed by CJ Special Lures. The lures are known for their unique action.
“These spoon-style lures have been designed and perfected over the last 15 years and have developed a loyal following with both professional charter fishermen and lodge operators,” said Peetz owner Marc Hoelscher. “Until now, they have not been widely available to the public and we are very excited to bring them to market in a big way."
Peetz, which has been manufacturing reels and tackle since 1925, expects to release a range of CJ Special lures this month.
Passenger ferry adds senior master
V2V, the new passenger ferry provider between Victoria and Vancouver, has appointed Bryden Smith as senior master of the V2V Empress.
He will be responsible for assembling the team of qualified marine crew to operate the vessel. “I am thrilled to be able to share the beauty and excitement of coastal B.C., and provide a guest experience that will set a new standard in Canadian luxury marine travel,” said Smith.
A Victoria native, he brings more than a decade of experience in coastal ferry service.
The inaugural sailings of the V2V Empress are set for May. Trips will depart from Vancouver at 8 a.m. and arrive in Victoria at 11:30 a.m. The return voyage will depart at 2 p.m. for Vancouver, arriving at 5:30 p.m. Victoria-bound passengers will depart from the Vancouver Convention Centre docks and arrive at the Steamship Terminal alongside Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
On the move
Steve Pearce has joined SeaFirst Insurance Brokers. He will be based in the West Shore office in Hatley Park Centre at 2244 Sooke Rd., and can be reached at 250-478-9110.
