Shannon Passero is putting the small city of Thorold, Ontario on the map. Nestled in the Niagara Region, minutes from Niagara Falls, you will find “The Post Office,” which houses Shannon’s eclectic, stylish, functional, and ethically-sourced clothing and accessories.
Her brand is featured in 850 specialty stores throughout North America and a stop at the Post Office is a must for those who flock to Niagara for weekend winery tours.
The story began in 1998 when Shannon emerged as the co-founder, creative director and designer of the women’s clothing brand Pure Handknit. Her next line, Neon Buddha, was launched in 2006. In 2013, Shannon opened her flagship store and design studio in the Historic Old Firehall, in downtown Thorold. The store relocated in 2016 to a 6,500 square foot retail boutique in The Post Office just around the corner. Because of her commitment to restoring and revitalizing heritage buildings, both sites were completely renovated and restored to their former glory.
In honour of Shannon’s devotion to these projects, she received the 2015 Niagara Community Design Award for The Post Office, and the National Trust of Canada Ecclesiastical Insurance cornerstone Award for Heritage Building.
Shannon parted ways with her partner at Pure Handknit and Neon Buddha in 2016, and focused on launching her namesake wholesale collection in 2017.
Walking into The Post Office for the first time is an experience for the senses. The boutique is total eye-candy and filled with the most amazing pieces – clothing to suit every occasion; from a casual dinner to a black tie evening, unique statement piece jewelry, organic skin-care products, soaps and cosmetics; locally produced jams, jellies, tapenades, chocolates, specialty Kombucha beverages, and so much more.
Shannon’s advocacy for local businesses and artists is evident; she’s passionate about carrying their products in her store. Shannon is equally driven in her passion to inspire women in business. In 2013, she introduced the Women’s Business Grant Program, which awards a $10,000 grant annually to one budding entrepreneur whose business focuses on the principles of social consciousness and sustainability. “Now, more than ever, it is time to instill confidence in women entrepreneurs. It is so important to have someone believe in your work and in this economic climate, I hope to empower new opportunities through this financial support.”
Shannon Passero’s designs and vision are inspirational in so many ways, but what truly sets her apart in the entrepreneurial world is that from the very beginning, ethical standards have always been at the forefront of Shannon’s management strategy. Over the years, her brands have touched the lives of more than 6,000 workers in Northern Thailand.
Whether you are shopping for yourself, looking for a unique piece, or a gift for that special someone, look no further than Shannon Passero’s The Post Office. Not only will you be amazed with all of the astonishing options, but you’ll be a returning customer.
Shop The Post Office online at www.shannonpassero.com
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