JUG & BASIN, a Vancouver business that seamlessly combines vintage and modern treasures, hosts both an online store and a physical shop in The Hayloft Vintage Mall in Langley. JUG & BASIN is your go-to for unique furniture, décor, textiles, blown glass, and art. Their philosophy revolves around blending the old with the new, allowing customers to create spaces that tell their own stories. Whether you’re browsing online or visiting the shop, JUG & BASIN welcomes you to explore a curated collection that effortlessly adds character and style to your home. We spoke to Stephanie Wideman, the Director of JUG & BASIN, to learn a bit more about her business.
What is your business called and what does it do?
JUG & BASIN is an online store with a physical shop at The Hayloft Vintage Mall in Langley. We’re known for our unique blend of vintage and modern items, including furniture, décor, textiles, blown glass, and art. Our philosophy focuses on pairing the old with the new, helping customers create interesting spaces that reflect their unique stories.
What made you want to do this work?
In the late 1960s, my grandmother, Raylene Murphy, founded JUG & BASIN in Unionville, Ontario, establishing it as a community hub and collectors’ staple. Decades later, it closed, along with many other antique shops. Inspired by her legacy and combining our experience in corporate and executive roles, my mother and I decided to revive the business in British Columbia, continuing our family’s tradition in antiques and the legacy of female entrepreneurship.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Our mission aligns with the circular economy’s ethos- extending the life of items through thoughtful reuse and repurposing. We also understand how sourcing unique, character-rich vintage pieces can be time-consuming yet crucial for creating a home with personality and warmth. We take on the task of collecting and curating, offering customers an effortless way to infuse their modern living spaces with charm and history, at an affordable price point.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our customers are design lovers who value both the artistry of the past and the sustainability of the circular economy. They’re drawn to the quality of handcrafted antiques, looking to blend these timeless pieces with modern aesthetics. They create homes that are not only stylish but also rich in history, character, and environmental consciousness.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Revenue comes through a combination of online sales, our storefront at The Hayloft Vintage Mall, and participation in local markets. We operate with a simple yet effective approach, rooted in a family saying, ‘Buy for a nickel, sell for a dime,’ ensuring we provide quality items at a reasonable price.
Where in the City can we find your profession?
We’re located online, at The Hayloft Vintage Mall in Langley, and at various local markets.
Hayloft Vintage Mall – 20457 Douglas Cres, Langley
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask?
An insightful question from a customer would be: ‘What was this item’s original purpose and how can it be creatively repurposed now?’ We love repurposing, like turning chamber pots into planters, an old dresser into a bathroom vanity, using vintage plates as unique hostess gifts with cookies, turning old fabric into gorgeous pillow covers, using a marble chess board as a coaster, or repurposing a crock for a Christmas tree base. Every piece holds the potential for a new, imaginative use.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is the time spent with my mom and family, making JUG & BASIN a complete family affair that now spans four generations. Also, the thrill of hunting for fabulous piece is something we all love. Seeing the excitement on customers’ faces when they find something they absolutely adore in our shop, and knowing we’re giving life to historical items, brings us joy. These moments of personal connections and stories make every day special and fulfilling.
One of the more challenging aspects is storage. Managing space for our varied inventory, while ensuring each item’s preservation, requires careful planning and can be quite demanding.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
Our family joke is, ‘We buy junk, sell antiques,’ but there’s a lot to it. It’s about knowing the history behind each piece, figuring out what’s real and what it’s really worth. Sometimes, we fix things up. It’s a mix of getting the history, understanding what’s in style, and matching cool stuff with people who’ll really love it!
Where can we follow you?
Join us on Instagram and visit our website for our latest collection and inspirations.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
We’re proud to be part of a vibrant local business community. Ruby’s Flower Cart in Chilliwack is our favourite for beautiful floral arrangements. At The Hayloft Vintage Mall in Langley, we’re surrounded by amazing neighbours like Melo Mercantile, Liv Lovely Décor, Gypsy Vintage and more. And for vintage fashion, we absolutely love Fraser and Co Modern Vintage and Chloe and June Vintage. Each adds something special to our community.
