Panhandler / Rafters Home StoreCANADA 'S LARGEST GIFT GROUP!
Panhandler & Rafters Home Stores are banner names under The Liv Canada Gift Group. From kitchen gadgets to limited edition collectibles of fine porcelain, The Liv Canada Gift Group is the largest gift chain in Canada .
Our parent company Franchise Bancorp owns the Liv Canada Gift Group and was founded by E.K. Loyst a former advertising executive, in 1968. The gift store division was created in 1974, with one little test store in Hamilton , Ontario called “The Panhandler Shoppe”. Today the gift store division has grown to over 60 stores and merchandise includes kitchen accessories as well as hundreds of unique gift ideas. “Christmas Stuffins” by Cherison, the “Laurel” Collection by Seagull pewter and a complete line of cottons named “Loon Lake Weaver”.
The gift and home décor market has consistently been one of North America 's top 5 retail trends for the last 5 years. It is a vibrant, exciting industry, and offers our franchise owners an excellent business opportunity and fulfilling lifestyle.
CONCEPTS
Rafters is an exciting concept in better value stores presenting quality gift and homeware products. The stores are typically 1,500 to 2,500 sq. ft. and are filled to the rafters with the newest gift and decorative accessory ideas including ceramics, kitchenware, wall art décor, backyard accessories and kitchen gadgets. We also have a department in cottons and linens including aprons, placemats and rugs featuring our “Loon Lake Weaver” brand.
Rafter Home Store is a 3,500 to 7,500 sq. ft. mini box store concept of our original Rafters stores. The stores feature a much broader selection of our product specialty lines, including giftware, kitchen gadgets, household cotton goods, aprons, woodenware, residential lighting, bath décor, backyard and occasional furniture. The first Rafters Home Store was opened in Calgary in December 1999 and surpassed all sales and profit projections.
The Panhandler has been Canada 's kitchen store for over 25 years and declared Canada 's #1 giftware store in 2001 by Chatelaine Magazine. It has everything for the kitchen and the entertaining areas of the home. It's fun to shop at The Panhandler for stemware, ceramics, brass, wood, and a compete selection of kitchen cottons. Always up to date on gift ideas and always priced competitively. Since 1972, The Panhandler has been a solid investment opportunity in a growth industry that is virtually recession proof. Most Panhandlers are about 1,200 to 1,500 sq. ft. and are known throughout Canada as a customer's favorite place to shop. Panhandlers offer a unique atmosphere with quality people!
PRODUCT
Products are priced to sell with many exclusive items. We travel the world to offer our stores the best products at low prices and high margins. The Liv Canada Gift Group buying team looks for an interesting assortment of decorative accessories. From crystal to ceramics to wall hangings- the merchandise is always up to date. Franchisees have the independence to order the quantities and selection they fell best suits their customer's needs.
MARKET
Home décor and giftware products define our lifestyle. The ambience and comfort of our homes become more important as life becomes more hectic. Entertaining at home continues to grow in significance as the landscape is saturated with fast food outlets. The gift and home décor industry in North America is estimated to be over CAN CAN$100 billion dollars. Dozens of occasions each year call for gifts.
