The Loft, selling bedding to bras, opens in YK Centre

The Loft became Yellowknife’s newest store on May 28, holding a grand opening in its location downstairs at the YK Centre mall.

The store is a family-run business offering a range of items produced or inspired by China.

“We wanted to open the business because we want to bring quality goods to the whole Northwest Territories,” said Henry Huang interpreting for Ripei Huang.

Colourful balloons lined the ceiling as the family celebrated The Loft’s first day in business.

Beneath those balloons, the first shoppers browsed a selection of clothing while Huang and his wife shuffled about the store in bright pink shirts.

The Huang family, owners and operators of The Loft. Sara Wicks/Cabin Radio

“People can find bedding products such as duvet covers, pillowcases, and fitted sheets. There are towels, socks, silk pajamas. Chinese bras, and Chinese-style underpants,” Henry Huang continued.

Originally from China, the Huangs came to the North in 2018.

Once living here, they told Cabin Radio, they felt Yellowknife did not possess many stores selling the kinds of products The Loft now offers.

Their store opens just weeks after Miniso, a Chinese-owned chain selling Japanese-inspired trinkets, launched in Yellowknife.

The Loft’s priority, its owners said, is to provide a positive experience for their customers.

“We want people to have good health and quality goods. That’s our big thing,” said Henry.