Lulujo opens a new store in Fredericton

FREDERICTON — Lulujo is a local business that specializes in baby blankets, baby swaddles, quilts, sleepsuits, dolls, and books for babies and young children. They are an international brand and have been operating for over ten years now.

Dawn Pottier started handmaking products in her basement, at her home in Fredericton a decade ago, and now sells them to companies such as Toys R Us, Indigo, and thousands of other retailers around the globe. They are most popular in Europe, Asia, the United States, and Canada. Despite a global pandemic, sales associate for Lulujo, Keshia Matthews says, they are continuing to expand as a business and on October 8th, they opened their very first store-front on Queen Street in downtown Fredericton. 

Pottier and her team have been very busy since June, setting the store up to open following health and safety guidelines. “Opening a store in COVID has definitely been challenging but really exciting. We noticed during COVID that there is a lot of local people that love to support local shops,” Matthews said. 

 

During the lock-down, Lulujo offered curbside pick-up and had so much support, that they felt opening a store-front was a good next step for the business to take. They have noticed that people love coming into the shop to feel and experience the products for themselves before purchasing. Matthews said that it is also nice to be able to put a face to the orders that are coming in. 

Since they are located in a small space, their priority has been ensuring the safety of their customers. They have taken measures to ensure proper physical distancing can be practiced in the store, and that folks sanitize upon entry and wear their community masks. Overall Matthews has found that the public is very understanding and supportive. 

“I think with COVID, many people are trying to support more local, and they realize the importance of the local economy and what small local businesses do for their cities and their communities,” said Matthews.

Pottier and her team have had some new opportunities for collaboration lately with other entrepreneurs in the Atlantic region including, a local author, Sheree Fitch.

Fitch wrote two books for Lulujo, including “A Lulu Lullaby” and “Rock A Baby Jo” based on the owner’s two kids, Emily and Jack, and their childhood memories. The store also sells dolls to go along with the characters in the story. These are among some of their bestselling products. 

Matthews said that all of their products are designed and created using breathable muslin material, organic textiles, and with the comfort and safety of young ones in mind. Although the brand is new to retail, as they have operated online for many years, they have had great success so far and are continuously designing new collections. So far, their new designs have been popular with locals. 

Matthews, who also has many years of experience as a small business owner before working for Luluj, wants to emphasize the importance of supporting locally owned businesses during a pandemic.

“Every dollar counts and each time you purchase from a local shop, the business owner does a little dance,” Matthews said.